I received a lovely email from Tamela, whose blog is called Tamela's Place. She had a message from Max Lucado about prayer. I sent this respoonse and wanted to share this with you too. I consider this instructions for a better new year.
Prayer is the most fantastic, powerful asset we have as Christians. I really don't know why, but it pleases God that we plead with Him, struggle with Him, bless His Holy Name, Praise Him, and listen to Him. Prayer changes things. I know this, really know this.
God will do all the blessings and directing as He had done so in the past. However, I can assure you that He will not do it exactly as He did it in the past, nor will He answer prayers as you expect. His answers will be better, more appropriate, and will always show great creativity.
The first value of prayer is not to have things turn out the way we want. It is to peel off our sinful selves and to find ourselves in the center of God's vast Kingdom. When we see ourselves herein, we see the prayers answered even before the perfomance. It is the best place to be.
What makes prayers powerful and to be able to be located inside God's Kingdom? Forgiveness of sins, a desire to be crucified with Christ, read your Bible everyday, and spend most of your prayer time listening instead of dictating.
Blessings to all who read this.
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Great Grandfather Humes
Great Grandfather, Charles Humes, started the family interest in trucks. He is in the center of the picture and Great Grandmother, Eva Humes, is to the left of him.
8 comments:
Thanks, Vicki.
I appreciate all prayers in 2009 and pray for you and Jim at times.
Russ
Thanks so much, Russ,
What a great gift it is to have your prayers on our behalf to the King of Kings.
I hve been praying and will continue to pray about your doctoral defense on Jan 13h (Right date?)
You are a blessing to Jim and to me.
Vicki
I really like this post, but like the day before even more. God in my head, God in my heart, God in my understanding. All God. Amen.
Prayer allows us to mature in our relationship(s) with God and man.
My understanding is that we run through a dialogue with God and are simultaneously transformed. The more we pray, the more we are instructed by God and of our understanding on what God's desire for us is. Prayer shapes and transforms us to the image of God.
Thanks Vicki, I have a lengthy reply for you.
Russ:)
"The first value of prayer is not to have things turn out the way we want. It is to peel off our sinful selves and to find ourselves in the center of God's vast Kingdom. When we see ourselves herein, we see the prayers answered even before the perfomance. It is the best place to be."
Very well put! This was a nice encouragement to start the day. Thanks.
GGM
Just stopping by to say hello...I'll be back to post! Right now I'm off to bed.
Happy New Year Vicki
Pray you have a blessed 2009
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