Prayer with a Sense of Trust

If we do ask someone to help us, we usually want someone whom we know will come through for us.  It might even be someone who has been strongly recommended to us.  The psalmist in the midst of adversity was willing to place his trust in God.  We have the words:  "But I call upon God; and the LORD will save me. Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he will hear my voice.  He will redeem me unharmed from the battle that I wage, for many are arrayed against me."  (Psalm 55:16-17)


Note the word of confidence here.  Against all odds, the psalmist is willing to trust God to save him.

This Sunday I will be preaching on the story (Luke 18:1-10) of the widow who goes before the judge and pleads her case.  In this story that Jesus gave, he mentioned that the judge did not fear God or have respect for people.  Yet, the widow's persistence gives a verdict in her favor!

If such is the case for this woman before a godless judge, how much more will God do for us.  In other words, we can wholeheartedly place our trust in God who is compassionate and desires our good above all else. Are you willing to pray with such trust?

Praying Toward Healing

This Sunday is another opportunity to receive the individual prayer for the healing of body, mind, and spirit.  The prayer is holistic in nature.  It recognizes that there are many ways we do experience brokenness in our lives.

This concern for healing goes beyond a broken leg that needs fixing.  It can include dealing with guilt or even a broken spirit. Maybe you have found yourself buried in some wrong you committed that just won't go away. Healing means receiving the forgiveness from God.  Do you have a crushed spirit?  Maybe you have been depressed lately and see no hope in your life.  Here is where God's sustaining power can come into play.  You grow deeper in faith and trust God for your future.

Yes, God can provide healing regarding any way in which you experience brokenness.  The big question for you is: Do you want to be healed?

If you do desire healing, then you need to approach God in prayer for receiving what is needed.  You might not be able to second guess how it will happen; yet in God's own way, healing can come.  I would dare say it might even be in a growing relationship with the Lord.  Will you open yourself to prayer?

To Pray or Not to Pray

There are times when we may actually deliberate about prayer. To pray or not to pray is what we mull over in our minds.  Am I really in need of God's help or could I wing it on my own.  Consider what not praying might be saying about you.

1.  I don't need God, I am self-sufficient for the task.
2.  I doubt whether God would want to help me in this situation.
3.  I don't have the time to get into a deep relationship with God.
4.  I am not worthy for God to respond to my request.

We could list one reason after another as to why we aren't praying for an important matter in our lives or for a particular circumstance that may affect the lives of others.  Maybe we need to rethink prayer and what it all means.
 1.  Do I believe in the relationship it establishes with God?
 2.  Might it not change my attitude about a certain circumstance?
 3. Might it reveal a weakness I have about being self-sufficient?
 4. Might it be too much of a surprise in terms of what prayer could do?

When we choose to pray, we are showing a different mind-set about how we view the world and even ourselves.  We acknowledge that we are the creatures and God is the Creator.  It is God who has the power and can do all things, even beyond our own imagination.  So does the choice come to you often or are you deeply rooted in a life of prayer?