“In everything, by prayer . . present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 NIV
“God will always do what is right and wise, whatever the pressure to do otherwise.”
My thoughts today are about “prayer’s simplicity.”
Have you noticed that good people tend to over spiritualize prayer? They seem to think that God should not be bothered unless it is really important or urgent. Here’s something that I have learned about marriage and friendships; the more normal and frequent the interaction the easier communication is when it is important and urgent.
Spiritual life is about relationship. The more real and confident your everyday relationship with God is, the more natural prayer will become for you. The more you talk regularly about ordinary everyday things, the simpler all conversation is whatever its nature or subject – whether with your wife children, friends, or God.
Prayer is not begging God for what you need, nor is it talking only about “spiritual” things. Prayer is just talking to a Friend, about everyday things that are happening in your life. Whatever matters to you matters to Him. “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you . . cast your cares on the Lord, and He will sustain you” 1 Peter 5:7NKJV/Psalm 55:22 NIV. Isn’t that a great invitation?
From today’s verse, you should notice four simple but important things. Prayer can be about anything and should be, not just some things, everything! “In everything, by prayer . .” No restrictions. No limits. Any topic is fair game. Got questions? Ask them. Got hurts and confusion? Bring it to Jesus. Got needs? Present them.
Prayer should be offered as a request, not your demand. ” . . present your requests to God.” There is a big difference between a boldness of faith and relationship and a brashness that demands and insists. You will make prayer complicated and difficult if you attempt to manipulate or obligate God to do what you want. He doesn’t require your lengthy explanation of need, or extensive list of reasons to be persuaded, or helpful hints how to best answer your prayer.
Prayer invites God to do as he wills. God will always do what is right and wise, whatever the pressure to do otherwise. Consider Mary’s example at Cana (See John 2:1-11). She merely stated the need obvious to all, including Jesus. To Jesus she said, “They have no more wine.” To the servants she said, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” Here’s what she did not do: she did not demand; she did not explain how or why this happened; she did not tell him what or how to do something. Mary simply included Jesus in a matter of which she had become aware. A miracle resulted, and a celebration continued in a manner no one anticipated. (See vs. 9-10 NIV). Where Jesus is – that’s where amazing happens.
Prayer includes thankfulness, before, during, and after. Prayer is not only about what you need in the present moment or hope for in the future; prayer is also about so much that God has kindly done for you previously. “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.“ Philippians 4:6 NLT. Gratitude energizes prayer!
My prayer for you today is to ask God confidently and trust God completely.