ABOUT PRAYER.......

I want to write something about prayer today, so I will begin with the most advantageous verse possible, I think, that I could find.  Again in First John, Chapter 3, verses 21-23.  "Dear Friends," (John says) "If our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him.  And this is his command: to believe in the name of his son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us."




Before I remark in any way, I would like to read some of what the Study says in this same Bible:  "If your conscience is clear, you can  come to God without fear, confident that your request may be heard. You will receive if you obey and do what pleases him because you will then be asking in line with God's will.  Of course, this does not mean that you can have anything you want, like instant riches. If you are truly seeking God's will, there are some requests you will not make!" 


I'm sure you will  remember, God knows our motives as well as our actions.




How to pray?  There are dozens of books on it.  Since the ancient Christian writers until today, many people have tried to share in words.... What's the Best Way to Pray!




I used to have a prayer chair when I was a new Christian. My children were not yet grown and I had a struggle finding time to sit down, read the Scripture, figure out what it meant to me, pray about it and some other things, and just  feel close to God. (I still call it my Prayer Chair when describing that particular seat next to the opposite wall, over thirty years later!)  The Lord woke me up out of a deep sleep each night around two a.m. and down the stairs I'd go to my chair. There I would read, write, and pray.  I never missed a wink! And I grew in Him, thankfully!




Later, people began asking me to pray for them, and I did.  But, much later,  I realized  that a long list of people to pray for  is unrealistic for a busy mom who has much to learn herself about God.  For some real need, I was always glad to pray, but for some I would say, "I will definitely pray for you whenever God brings you to my mind."  And I would do just that!




One time, a church friend came to me with the question, 'Why did God say "yes" to your prayer and"no" to mine?" We both had  relatives who were seeking  divorce and her family member and spouse went through with their divorce while mine did not.  This young woman was devastated!  I had no answer for her, and held her in my arms while she cried.  The marriage I prayed about did eventually end in divorce, but at that moment I could not answer her.  I came to realize that our God knows everything.  We do not. God sometimes has to use something we think of as bad for the better good.  Trusting God is never easy, but we must learn it and re-learn it if we must!


 God is always good and may choose what is best for His time and not ours.!


There is much to be said for God's will! What looks like  "no" may also be "later." Death may bring the "peace" we have prayed for someone.  There are many ways to answer a prayer , but it may  not be the answer for which we hoped.  God knows best.  Yes, He does!  Believe it.  And the prayer you prayed is beautiful to Him.  That I know...in my knower!  Have the faith that God loves a prayer and you can't go wrong when praying.


When your prayer life becomes your whole life that is the best.  Pray as you breathe, sing, walk, work and play.  Be on the phone to Him all day long letting Him know what a great day, or not, it is, or isn't! He loves a steady  blow by blow of your life, as He is your steady friend, and sometimes your Only Friend!


The world is tough?  God is tougher. No matter what the problem, God will help you solve it.  All it takes is trust, trust and more trust. Trust and pray for there's no other way.


And I'm in this with you, trusting and praying!


Jo of MN...It's all about God!