Have you ever considered what it means to truly pray? Does prayer actually convince God to do things that he was not planning or the means by which He carries out His plans? Our understanding of prayer is important because it impacts how and how much we pray. If we believe our prayers are not that important because God already has everything figured out, I believe the result will be to a life that never experiences the powerful and dynamic prayer life God desires every follower of Jesus to experience. If we think that God is waiting to meet our every desire then we will end up praying what we want instead of what God wants.
I have been reading a short little book on prayer by Watchman Nee titled, Let Us Pray. In this book he writes, “… the first step in our doing God’s will is for us to utter His will in prayer. … There is no work more important than prayer because the latter accomplishes as well as expresses the will of God. Hence all prayer which comes our of self-will is useless.” The problem the majority of Christians find in prayer is that they are never able to move beyond their wants and desires as the focus of their prayers.
Watchman Nee continues, “…our prayer should never be asking the Lord to do what He has no desire to do or trying to change His will. It is simply a praying out of His will, thus enabling Him to do what He desires to do.” For whatever reason God has chosen to partner with praying people in carrying out His will on earth. God is looking for people willing to join Him in carrying out His will. Are you that kind of Christian?
2 comments:
Brother Dave, have you seen or listened to this message on prayer by Jim Cymbala. I just started watching it, and thought of your church going through learning more about prayer. It's very powerful. I love you man.
My House Shall Be Called A House Of Prayer ( Jim Cymbala )
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5015435750261664501
This is amazing that you blogged this. I just read this, this week, "Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him."
I very much agree that prayer, through the mystery of the power of the Holy Spirit, is the main avenue where God allows us, and invites us, into HIS work.
I remember Jesus said that God is always about His work.
It is amazing that we get to be a part of what God is doing, and that He uses the Spirit to move our hearts and minds to pray, for His glory and His means and His plans, just amazing.
Post a Comment