Prayer I

It has been on my mind to jot down a few thoughts about prayer. It is something that many Christians struggle to wrap their minds around.

"How do I pray"
"For what do I pray?"
"Should I raise my hands, bend my head, kneel or lay prostrate on the ground?"
"Does God hear?"
"Does God answer?"

I intend to write more about this subject, but an email I received today prompted me to make this available to you as a thought starter. I cannot take credit for the content of the following, but I find it to be a wonderful piece on communicating with God through prayer.

"God Said No"

I asked God to take away my habit.
God said, "No.
It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up."

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said, "No.
His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary."

I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, "No.
Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is learned."

I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, "No.
I give you blessings; happiness is up to you."

I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, "No.
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me."

I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, "No.
You must grow on your own but I will prune you to make you fruitful."

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, "No.
I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things."

I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.
God said, "Ahhhh, finally you have the idea."


As it relates to prayer and by extension, all of life, think on this:
"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting, get understanding." Prov 4:7
There are many things we need to understand in order to have more productive prayers and a more more fruitful Christian walk.

May the great God of Heaven grant you every spiritual blessing.