Word for Today, Mon, 26 Jan 2004: Prayer and Our Relationships

#1 · January 26, 2004, 4:18 pm

Quote from Forum Archives on January 26, 2004, 4:18 pm
Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Word for Today, Mon, 26 Jan 2004: Prayer and Our Relationships
Dear friends,

When it comes to matters of faith, I'm a big believer that the
Christian faith is primarily about relationships, building,
cultivating, encouraging relationships. The number one
relationship to build is our relationship with God. I believe
that God has written His love letter to us in His Word, the
Bible. Part of cultivating our relationship with God is to know
Him, and to get to know Him intimately, we must be active,
regular readers of His Word.

Another very important component of building our relationship
with God is our communication, our response, to Him. That's
where prayer comes in.

Reading the Word, then thinking about it, then praying about it,
are three really important fundamental components in our personal
relationship with God.

In today's message, Larry Davis begins a series about prayer and
introduces several important principles to consider. I believe
that a healthy relationship with God is a necessary prerequisite
to a healthy life and positive, lasting relationships with
others. Moreover, I believe that developing these relationships
is our primary life purpose.

Read along in this series and see if you agree.

Yours in Christ,
Brian

Sowing Seeds of Faith...

-----Original Message-----
From: Bill & Frances Lewis [mailto:bflewis@kinex.net]
Larry, you are such a joy and I'm sure God smiles when He sees
what and how you write. Your ability to put things in
prospective by relating everyday things to His teaching is truly
a gift. I praise Him for it and thank Him every day for sharing
you with us who have different gifts. Please continue serving
the Lord and His children, of which I am one. In God's love,
Bill & Frances Lewis

"Teach Me How to Pray"
Larry Davies

"Does God answer prayers?" I asked a class.

"Of course... yes... always," were the quick and enthusiastic
replies.

"Then, why don't we pray more frequently?" I answered. An
uncomfortable silence filled the room.

Finally, the excuses poured out: "I'm too busy! There is no
time! God's too busy to listen to me! I don't know what to say!
I'm not worthy! I don't know how!"

Our individual reasons may sound different but our predicament
is basically the same. We (confession time: including me) do not
fully appreciate the importance and power of prayer. Prayer
should be as critical and functional as the steering wheel on
your car. "Without you, O Lord, I can go nowhere!" Yet, for most
of us, prayer is actually more like the spare tire... seldom
used except when something goes flat. In other words: "Don't
call us... we'll call when we need You!"

Prayer is supposed to be an ongoing relationship with almighty
God more than an opportunity to present a wish list to a
heavenly Santa Claus. But any good relationship needs commitment
and a willingness to invest time... lots of time. Suppose you
told a trusted spouse or friend the reason you can't spend more
time with them is: "I'm too busy! No time! You're probably too
busy to listen to me! I don't know what to say! I'm not worthy!
I don't know how?" What kind of friendship is that?

Here is God's promise on the subject of prayer: "Don't worry
about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what
you need and thank him for all he has done. If you do this you
will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than
the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts
and mind as you live in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

Our tendency is to worry isn't it? Yet we know worry solves
nothing and often causes emotional, physical and spiritual harm.
Prayer means giving your worries to God, who in return promises
a supernatural peace: a peace far more wonderful than the human
mind can understand. Could it really be as simple as that? Yes
it can but you must make a commitment to pray regularly.

Here is a basic formula to guide your prayer life:

1. Praise God: Praise sets the tone and reminds you who God
really is. Try looking at some of the Psalms and reading them
out loud to get you started: Psalm 8, 19 & 148.

2. Confession: A good relationship strengthens with honesty. No
sane doctor would offer a cure without hearing what hurts.
Admitting your faults promotes spiritual healing.

3. Listen: Sometimes, it's easier to talk than to really
listen. Easy but not smart. Quiet times are often where you will
find direction. Listening allows God to speak to your soul.

4. Ask for Help: This part becomes more meaningful when you take
the time to praise, confess and listen. This is when you
literally learn to stop worrying and start praying.

5. Give Thanks. Sometimes this step will not be easy but giving
thanks recognizes that God is looking out for you and has your
best interest at heart. You are saying, "I trust you."

6. Keep a Journal: This may be the most important part of your
prayer life. The journal is where disappointments, struggles,
joys and miracles are recorded and remembered.

"Does God answer our prayers?" Yes, but are we doing our part?

Two people with similar difficulties begin to pray. One expects
results and finishes his prayer frustrated and confused. Months
later, the problem and the prayer is forgotten. Another prays
looking to spend a few quiet moments with a trusted friend and
completes her prayer feeling more content and at peace. Over the
next few months while recording her thoughts in a journal, she
notices progress with the problem itself and especially in her
ability to cope. She thanks God.

Think about it. You have a unique opportunity to be in a
relationship with God: One that can make an authentic difference
in your life and the life of anyone who comes in contact with
you. So, what are you waiting for? God? He's been waiting
patiently for you a long, long time.

Next week: Expanding your prayer life to the next step: Forming
a prayer ministry.

Read Sowing Seeds of Faith... everyday! Click here:
www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/Devotions.htm

Are you receiving prayer concerns from around the world? Join
our prayer team today. Check it out by clicking here:
www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/sign-up.htm

How can I regularly support your ministry? Become a Sowing Seeds
Ministry partner. Click here:
www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/ministry_partner.htm

Jesus said: "You are the light of the world--like a city
on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don't
hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and
let it shine for all." (Matthew 5:14-15)

"Breaking the Peanut Butter Habit: Following God's
Recipe for a Better Life" now on sale only through our
website. www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/peanbutt.htm

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Brian Masinick, mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: www.geocities.com/masinick/

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Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Word for Today, Mon, 26 Jan 2004: Prayer and Our Relationships
Dear friends,

When it comes to matters of faith, I'm a big believer that the
Christian faith is primarily about relationships, building,
cultivating, encouraging relationships. The number one
relationship to build is our relationship with God. I believe
that God has written His love letter to us in His Word, the
Bible. Part of cultivating our relationship with God is to know
Him, and to get to know Him intimately, we must be active,
regular readers of His Word.

Another very important component of building our relationship
with God is our communication, our response, to Him. That's
where prayer comes in.

Reading the Word, then thinking about it, then praying about it,
are three really important fundamental components in our personal
relationship with God.

In today's message, Larry Davis begins a series about prayer and
introduces several important principles to consider. I believe
that a healthy relationship with God is a necessary prerequisite
to a healthy life and positive, lasting relationships with
others. Moreover, I believe that developing these relationships
is our primary life purpose.

Read along in this series and see if you agree.

Yours in Christ,
Brian

Sowing Seeds of Faith...

-----Original Message-----
From: Bill & Frances Lewis [mailto:bflewis@kinex.net]
Larry, you are such a joy and I'm sure God smiles when He sees
what and how you write. Your ability to put things in
prospective by relating everyday things to His teaching is truly
a gift. I praise Him for it and thank Him every day for sharing
you with us who have different gifts. Please continue serving
the Lord and His children, of which I am one. In God's love,
Bill & Frances Lewis

"Teach Me How to Pray"
Larry Davies

"Does God answer prayers?" I asked a class.

"Of course... yes... always," were the quick and enthusiastic
replies.

"Then, why don't we pray more frequently?" I answered. An
uncomfortable silence filled the room.

Finally, the excuses poured out: "I'm too busy! There is no
time! God's too busy to listen to me! I don't know what to say!
I'm not worthy! I don't know how!"

Our individual reasons may sound different but our predicament
is basically the same. We (confession time: including me) do not
fully appreciate the importance and power of prayer. Prayer
should be as critical and functional as the steering wheel on
your car. "Without you, O Lord, I can go nowhere!" Yet, for most
of us, prayer is actually more like the spare tire... seldom
used except when something goes flat. In other words: "Don't
call us... we'll call when we need You!"

Prayer is supposed to be an ongoing relationship with almighty
God more than an opportunity to present a wish list to a
heavenly Santa Claus. But any good relationship needs commitment
and a willingness to invest time... lots of time. Suppose you
told a trusted spouse or friend the reason you can't spend more
time with them is: "I'm too busy! No time! You're probably too
busy to listen to me! I don't know what to say! I'm not worthy!
I don't know how?" What kind of friendship is that?

Here is God's promise on the subject of prayer: "Don't worry
about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what
you need and thank him for all he has done. If you do this you
will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than
the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts
and mind as you live in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

Our tendency is to worry isn't it? Yet we know worry solves
nothing and often causes emotional, physical and spiritual harm.
Prayer means giving your worries to God, who in return promises
a supernatural peace: a peace far more wonderful than the human
mind can understand. Could it really be as simple as that? Yes
it can but you must make a commitment to pray regularly.

Here is a basic formula to guide your prayer life:

1. Praise God: Praise sets the tone and reminds you who God
really is. Try looking at some of the Psalms and reading them
out loud to get you started: Psalm 8, 19 & 148.

2. Confession: A good relationship strengthens with honesty. No
sane doctor would offer a cure without hearing what hurts.
Admitting your faults promotes spiritual healing.

3. Listen: Sometimes, it's easier to talk than to really
listen. Easy but not smart. Quiet times are often where you will
find direction. Listening allows God to speak to your soul.

4. Ask for Help: This part becomes more meaningful when you take
the time to praise, confess and listen. This is when you
literally learn to stop worrying and start praying.

5. Give Thanks. Sometimes this step will not be easy but giving
thanks recognizes that God is looking out for you and has your
best interest at heart. You are saying, "I trust you."

6. Keep a Journal: This may be the most important part of your
prayer life. The journal is where disappointments, struggles,
joys and miracles are recorded and remembered.

"Does God answer our prayers?" Yes, but are we doing our part?

Two people with similar difficulties begin to pray. One expects
results and finishes his prayer frustrated and confused. Months
later, the problem and the prayer is forgotten. Another prays
looking to spend a few quiet moments with a trusted friend and
completes her prayer feeling more content and at peace. Over the
next few months while recording her thoughts in a journal, she
notices progress with the problem itself and especially in her
ability to cope. She thanks God.

Think about it. You have a unique opportunity to be in a
relationship with God: One that can make an authentic difference
in your life and the life of anyone who comes in contact with
you. So, what are you waiting for? God? He's been waiting
patiently for you a long, long time.

Next week: Expanding your prayer life to the next step: Forming
a prayer ministry.

Read Sowing Seeds of Faith... everyday! Click here:
http://www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/Devotions.htm

Are you receiving prayer concerns from around the world? Join
our prayer team today. Check it out by clicking here:
http://www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/sign-up.htm

How can I regularly support your ministry? Become a Sowing Seeds
Ministry partner. Click here:
http://www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/ministry_partner.htm

Jesus said: "You are the light of the world--like a city
on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don't
hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and
let it shine for all." (Matthew 5:14-15)

"Breaking the Peanut Butter Habit: Following God's
Recipe for a Better Life" now on sale only through our
website. http://www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/peanbutt.htm

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
This mailing proudly powered by Subscribe Me(TM) Professional -
Enterprise Edition http://www.subscribemepro.com

=====
--
Brian Masinick, mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: http://www.geocities.com/masinick/

__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free web site building tool. Try it!
webhosting.yahoo.com/ps/sb/