Praying In Real Life
Eating at a restaurant the other day, I heard two women pray over their meal. Since I rarely see that anywhere, I thanked the Lord for their devotion.
Then I heard how they prayed: Thank you for the food. Amen.
Now, I know that the Lord is pleased with any conversation we have with Him, but this seemed a little less than heartfelt. Praise His holy name that I don't have to try and judge the condition of women's hearts, but we have to realize that we are being watched by God and other women alike.
I don't ever want to rush through prayer because I'm in a hurry to get back to my own conversation. I want to put my gratitude to the Lord for His provision before all else. And if someone does happen to hear or see me, I want them to be convicted themselves of how they speak to the Living God.
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. Matthew 6:5
And I most certainly don't want to be seen as a show-off or holier-than-thou when seen praying in public. Jesus Christ warned His believers about being like the attention-grabbing religious leaders who prayed for the glory and envy of it. Our prayers should be simply about worshipping the Lord and expressing our thanksgiving over what He has done for us.
A very sweet woman I know asked me to pray for her in a special way on Sunday. We held hands as she told me several burdens that have weighed heavily on her heart this past week. I prayed and listened at the same time, asking the Lord to lighten her load and give her peace about all these issues.
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16
It seems like a little thing, but how often have you said, Of course I'll pray for you, and then forgotten about it completely. One of my Titus older women told me once that the best way to pray for someone is to stop what you're doing when they first ask and approach the throne of God immediately. Time and concern are precious commodities in this day and age, and I'd like to share both of them on the spot when I'm asked.
When was the last time you prayed outside of your prayer closet, out in a real world situation? There are so many opportunities to do so: standing in line listening to someone complain, instead of bad-mouthing the terrible drivers around you on the road, or even while you're walking the dogs around the block.
God wants to hear from us, not just in the quiet of the morning or evening hours, but all day and in every situation. I pray now that you will take advantage of each situation you come upon today to be open to praying and giving thanks for whatever the Lord sends your way.
Then I heard how they prayed: Thank you for the food. Amen.
Now, I know that the Lord is pleased with any conversation we have with Him, but this seemed a little less than heartfelt. Praise His holy name that I don't have to try and judge the condition of women's hearts, but we have to realize that we are being watched by God and other women alike.
I don't ever want to rush through prayer because I'm in a hurry to get back to my own conversation. I want to put my gratitude to the Lord for His provision before all else. And if someone does happen to hear or see me, I want them to be convicted themselves of how they speak to the Living God.
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. Matthew 6:5
And I most certainly don't want to be seen as a show-off or holier-than-thou when seen praying in public. Jesus Christ warned His believers about being like the attention-grabbing religious leaders who prayed for the glory and envy of it. Our prayers should be simply about worshipping the Lord and expressing our thanksgiving over what He has done for us.
A very sweet woman I know asked me to pray for her in a special way on Sunday. We held hands as she told me several burdens that have weighed heavily on her heart this past week. I prayed and listened at the same time, asking the Lord to lighten her load and give her peace about all these issues.
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16
It seems like a little thing, but how often have you said, Of course I'll pray for you, and then forgotten about it completely. One of my Titus older women told me once that the best way to pray for someone is to stop what you're doing when they first ask and approach the throne of God immediately. Time and concern are precious commodities in this day and age, and I'd like to share both of them on the spot when I'm asked.
When was the last time you prayed outside of your prayer closet, out in a real world situation? There are so many opportunities to do so: standing in line listening to someone complain, instead of bad-mouthing the terrible drivers around you on the road, or even while you're walking the dogs around the block.
God wants to hear from us, not just in the quiet of the morning or evening hours, but all day and in every situation. I pray now that you will take advantage of each situation you come upon today to be open to praying and giving thanks for whatever the Lord sends your way.
Comments
Post a Comment