Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Patience or Peace?

Beloved,

If God answers prayer, which He does, then why do we continue to pray for patience? Is not once enough?

Think about every time we pray for patience. God being consistent in His love for us, Sovereign, faithful to His Word, He still is the God that cannot lie etc., would He “not” answer our prayer and give us what we prayed for...something for which to be patient.

The reason we pray for patience is because something has continuously not gone our way, we cannot understand why things are not going our way or things are not done in our "perfect" timing.

We have prayed, "God give me patience!" Instead of relief, we face an additional situation. We donot understand. How can this be? We stay frustrated. Things do not change. We pray again for patience. God answers. We pray again for patience. God answers. We pray again for more patience. God answers again….STOP!

In times of frustration, struggle, stress, pain, suffering etc., let’s listen to the voice of God. Make a simple attitude transition and word exchange. Instead of “God give me patience” exchange that prayer with “God give me peace” …and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard “our heart” and “our mind” in Christ Jesus, Our Lord.”

Just a thought…..

Sunday, September 19, 2010

What is wrong with the way we pray?

The scripture gives us the perfect model of prayer. Could it be we have forgotten what it says? Let's review

The book of Matthew Chapter 6 is full of a critical information for the beloved. In this text is the model for prayer. The way to approach a loving, merciful and sovereign God.

I am reminded that there is the potential that our prayers can go unanswered if we ask with the wrong motive of heart.

Let's take a look of the Model of Prayer as laid out in the Book of Matthew (NIV)

Matthew Chapter 6: 6 - 15

5 "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.

6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.

8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

9 "This, then, is how you should pray:"

'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, (Humility and reverance)

10 your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. (Not my will, but Your will be done, O'God)

11 Give us today our daily bread. (Give us what we need and can handle for today)

12 Forgive us our debt, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.[a]' Keep us from those things that will cause us to go astray and protect us from the evil one.

14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. (Humbly Lord receive my prayer and thank you for the ability and direction to forgive)

15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

I hope this refresher helped you. It is good that we taken this opportunity to review. Now pray!

Comments, questions or concerns?