"The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know…Since prayer is at the bottom of all of Life, what I want mostly is for you to pray…” (1Tim)
As I look back on my life, I realize more of it than I’d like has been affected by an underlying "fear” of, "neglect” of prayer. Not "prayerless” of course, but just less commitment to it than Appropriate. Why? Laziness? Oh, who knows””maybe some of that too. But MAINLY, I’ve discovered in reflection in the Spirit, because of certain things I prayed for with "great faith” and "great energy”””and "God failed me.” Sounds bad, doesn’t it?
Well, it has taken me a long time to recognize it myself. Reading the above verses makes me realize "I should pray BECAUSE GOD WANTS ME TO!” no matter the perceived RESULTS. Who knows how Father has molded, directed, prepared, and protected me by NOT answering "my” so-called "prayers” on topics of "my” choice. Who do I think *I* am?! Instead of thinking Father was "failing” me, so "why pray” (never an intentional thought, of course””but Revealed later to me, and true)””I should "PRAY BECAUSE FATHER WANTS ME TO!” and TRUST His answers to ALWAYS be the RIGHT answers, no matter how I "feel” about it… and KEEP ON PRAYING, because it’s Dad’s Desire. How do I know? "It is Written.” That’s enough to know. : ) ‘Godliness, with contentment, is great gain.’
______________________________________
I read this devotional shared by another and it just really hit me, I see how often I have done the exact same thing. I am always sharing that we should pray and act on those things the FATHER leads us to, but I now realize my response to those prayers are just as important too. I pray because GOD leads me to and I trust HIS answers are right. It doesn't matter how I feel about it, or if I can understand it, HE works in the unseen, in ways my limited eyes can not fathom. I trust that HE knows best and my attitude and heart need to reflect that.
God bless
maryjane