Did you ever wonder if God hears our prayers? I spoke with a friend of mine this evening who is feeling bereft. He doesn't think God is hearing his prayers. That conversation got me thinking more about prayer. Are we praying because we want something from God? If we don't hear a response, is it because God isn't listening?
No.
God hears all of our prayers and He responds to all of them...in His time not ours. And His answer may not be what we want to hear.
God is calling us (and I mean ALL of us). He's knocking at our door and he's waiting for us to answer Him. (Revelation 3:20) That's what prayer is. Us responding to His call.
When you let Him in the door, He will deliver graces to you that will knock you on the floor. Not because you let Him in but because of His limitless love for you.
How do we respond to God?
1. By loving Him above all things
2. By thanking Him for all that we have
3. By repenting for our sins
4. By bringing others closer to Him
5. By LISTENING to Him (that's a hard one)
6. And ultimately by conforming ourselves to Christ
It is through prayer that we open the door to our hearts and let Him in. He thirsts for us. He wants us to be a part of the flock. It's why He gave us free will. So we can choose to do His will and love Him unconditionally for who He is (as He loves us for who we are).
We shouldn't be praying for things we want (e.g. a new job, a girlfriend, Salvation, etc.) That's not what God wants from us.
He just wants us to open the door; so that He can dine with us.
And He wants us to pray.
3 comments:
Dennis,
Good thoughts. I enjoyed hearing your perspective. I've been thinking about prayer a lot lately too.
All true Dennis.
We have to be aware of want vs need.
"but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Martha had very practical important wants. Her prayer was not answered in the way she desired.
Mary had need. She got what she needed, along with affirmation.
Good thoughts on prayer. I enjoyed your post.
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