I watched a story today on the news that a Colorado Springs preacher is calling people to pray for rain during Barack Obama’s speech that is to be held at Invesco field. Of course he said that he does not want anyone hurt, but he wants it to come a good rain during his speech. Isn’t there better ways to pray then this?
Why doesn’t he call people to pray that God will guide our decisions in getting a President that will guide us in the direction He desires? This is my call to you dear readers, the 10 or 20 that visit this site, I ask you to pray that God guides us in the direction that will further our love for Him.
When I was younger, my Mom would have to remind me to take my glass, or plate into the kitchen. I made the mistake one time in telling her that she needed to say the magic word. Which for you that are unfamiliar with magic words, they are please and thank you. She was quick in pointing out that she should not have to tell me please when it is something that I know I should do in the first place. After I completed the task at hand I would expect a ‘thank you’ also for doing such an awesome job taking my dinner ware into the kitchen, never got one.
This is how I treat God also. I come to Him in prayer, I help people, I guide people to Him, I do countless things for Him, in His name. I even make sure that I tell people that it wasn’t me, but glory to God. How does He thank me for it? A flat tire, money that does not last until the next payday, withdrawals, depression, etc. Does He ever say please? Every once in awhile He will clear my eyes in seeing the blessings in these things. The money at the time to fix the flat tire, having food and bills paid between paydays, withdrawals and depression, well, trials that when He pulls me out of them, I become stronger, and learn.
Sometimes my prayers become shorter, and the distance between them could be 24 hours or longer for a real conversation, and communion with Him. Sometimes I come to Him with a heavy heart. Thinking while I pray about getting caught up in my sinful nature. While I am talking to Him, little schemes come to mind about medicine, language, smoking a cigarette after I get through and how well it will taste, even thoughts of being pious and righteous come to mind. I try and shake these trying to remember where I left off in my prayer.
I know that we cannot come to God with a perfect, sinless mind and heart, but these are things that I need to work on. He wants us to pay attention to Him, having a conversation together, and sometimes just coming to Him for plain, old fashioned comfort. I was once in danger of thinking that I had to be perfect, repenting of every last one of my sins by name. Impossible to do, so I thought that I was doomed for sure. Isn’t it nice to know that we can come to God imperfect? Just sharing time with Him. While His thank yous might not always be noticeable right off, if we listen hard enough we can hear them. His pleases are not needed, we are to long for a relationship with Him in the first place. He will not force us into it, and He will not beg us for it. He longs for us, and we should long for Him.
Do not pray for rain, or ill will toward anyone. Instead pray for wellness for those who despise you, pray guidance not an interruption of that guidance, pray that He gives us knowledge to be directed in His way, not the worlds. Pray just for comfort in His presence. If you come to Him with a heavy heart lay it down at His feet, He understands us, He has seen what caused that heavy heart, and He knows the cure.
D.
Hey brother, glad to see you got this one started again. I found your new blog, Diary of an Addict, yesterday. Its very bold and powerful.
You talk about prayer here today. I dont pray near as much as you, yet. I used to pray a little more but then God was way off up in heaven. Now when I pray, God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit is right there with me. It feels kind of awkward, like I was naked in public. I just never thought I was special enough to be allowed that close to Him/Them… until I proved myself somehow.
I have always longed for a closer relationship with God but only recently, with no small effort on your part Doug, have I started to understand how close that relationship can be. That we were created to be in that circle of relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Thank you bro, or thank God for working through you.
I’ll try to remember to pray for preacher rainman. 🙂
TD,
You’ve hit the nail on the head brother:) Awesome and
inspired post:) As always praying for You and Noreen 🙂
Can’t wait Till the Workshop:) Hope to see you and Noreen
there:)
Missy:)
Jimbo-Man, it is so good to hear from you! I have been meaning to reply to your e-mail but to be honest with you I have just been too lazy! Brother, you have been such an inspiration to me. Especially lately. You know that a bond is strong when God uses others to guide you even in a long distance situation, and that is what He has done for me with you. I appreciate your kind words, I know that you mean them, and they touch me deeply. I have seen such a growth in you, and glory to God how He touches us! You are awesome man. And thank you for visiting my blog, eventhough I think that it is just you and Missy that get on there, I don’t care as long as you both continue. 🙂
Have a great day Bro. I think that is great abour Jamie! Wonderful news!!
Love ya man,
D.
Missy-Thank you sister for your prayers and staying with me though we have never met, I feel a closeness. That is another way that God works though isn’t it? His power and love knows no boundaries.
I am glad that I have a chance to get to know you better through the blogging community.
We love you too,
D.
Doug, I was sickened by the whole rain prayer too. Glad to know I wasn’t the only one. love ya, Amanda
BTW, I have had Drilled a hole through my cheek in my head for a week. Trying to replace it with Paralyzer from Finger 11. If I am going to have a song in my head, I’d prefer it to be upbeat. 🙂