National Day of Prayer
Since it is the National Day of Prayer, I have stopped to consider my own prayer life. Unfortunately, I find myself lacking in my intercessory prayer – for my family, my friends, my church and my nation. Two reasons I know that this happens in my life is because I am lazy and because of the sin of unbelief. I decided to check emails rather than pray. I watch another episode of CSI instead of bowing the knee for those I love. And because of unbelief I just won’t pray because in my heart of hearts I doubt if God can do anything about that situation.
Each year my pastor selects a devotional for our church to do as a body and this year he selected Walk with God by Chris Tiegreen (www.WalkThru.org). A recent devotion was wonderful and really spurs me on to both prayer and obedience. Below is an excerpt of that and I found the last part especially profound.
“Have you struggled with unanswered prayer? There are numerous possible reasons that God may withhold His answers, but consider this one: Have you submitted to His authority? It only makes sense that if we are going to appeal to His authority that we would be expected to live under it. When we rebel against His will and then ask Him to accomplish His will, we are contradicting ourselves. But when we submit to His will, we are lining ourselves up with the flowing current of creation. We are ready to experience the power of prayer.” [emphasis added]
Wow! I want to be lined up with the flowing current of creation, how about you? May we experience the power of prayer not just on the 2nd Thursday in May but each day as we choose to obey and believe.
Hey Becky
I am always encouraged by your words, because I know you trust “The Word”, The Living Word! How precious is that? Because I have seen God work in your life, I can trust what you say. Despite mistakes and flaws, I see you being obedient, and despite what others may consider ‘politically incorrect’ you don’t back down in what you know God is prompting you to do. The fact that you are willing to put yourself ‘out there’ speaks volumes. I respect your belief and trust in the infallible, inerrorent Word of God. You have deffinitely blessed me by knowing you, and I receive your words of blessings.
Wow, Deborah!! Thanks for your amazing compliment! “Words” is definitely one of my love languages. Blessings on you and your family!
What a good word! It hits very close to home. I’d like to think that I submit to His authority but so often my actions prove otherwise. Thanks for sharing…
Karrie, the scripture I think of when I read your comment was when Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees and said, “Wisdom is proved right by her actions.” My mentor told me this once after I really did not do a wise thing. Hated hearing it but it was so true!