Thoughts for Life: PROMPTED TO PRAY

PROMPTED TO PRAY

Katara Patton- A coworker once told me that her prayer life had improved because of our manager. I was impressed, thinking that our difficult leader had shared some spiritual nuggets with her and influence how she prays. (Agressive-looking man)

I was wrong—sort of. My coworker and friend went on to explain. "Every time I see him coming, I start praying." Her time of prayer had improved because she prayed more before each conversation with him. She knew she needed God's help in her challenging work relationship wtih her manager, and she called out to Him more because of it.

My coworker's practice of praying during tough times and interactions is something I've adopted. It's also a biblical practice found in 1 Thessalonians when Paul reminds the believers in Jesus to "pray continually . . . give thanks in all circumstances." (5:17-18).

No matter what we face, prayer is always the best practice. It keeps us connected with God and invites His Spirit to direct us (Galatians 5:16) rather than having us rely on our human inclinations. This helps us "live in peace with each other" (1 Thessalonians 5:13) even when we face conflicts.'

As God helps us, we can rejoice in Him, pray about everything, and give thanks often. And those things will help us live in even greater harmony with our brothers and sisters in Jesus.

Let's pray-

Father, when we have a difficult person or situation confront us, help us pray for Your help! Everytime we come upon a challenge, may we call out to You for Your guidance and help to manage it, because we lack the ability to deal with it by ourselves.

Help us practice praying all the time, but especially when we're challenged! As Christ was to the first disciples, He is to us too. Our life and calling as disciples found their origin and their guarantee in the words: "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth."

Andrew Murray claims that Christ gives us power, and bestows blessings

through every promise He fulfills. All is to be with power. No matter what we face, prayer is always the best practice, as it keeps us connected with You, inviting Your Spirit to direct us! This helps us live in peace with each other!

We pray for your assistance in the name of Jesus. Amen!

My weekly advice from the book, "We All Married IDIOTS, by Elaine W. Miller:

"Love is kind," the Bible says in 1 Cor. 13:4. Being kind to your mate means overlooking those oddities that sometimes drive you crazy. The next time your love does the idiotic, remember this — you married an idiot and so did your spouse." (p. 11)

1 Cor. 13:4 "Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not arrogant."

#109 Quote- George Mueller

"You need never take a step in the dark. If you do, you are sure to make a mistake. Wait! Wait till you have light. Remind the Lord Jesus that as He is Counselor to the church of God, He will be, in your particular case, Counselor and Guide, and will direct you. If you patiently wait, believingly, expectantly, you will find that the waiting is not in vain, and the Lord will prove Himself a Counselor both wise and good."

1581-1585 One-line Scriptures for those of you who want to learn some more verses this week- or to review them from when they were first posted-

1581- Ps. 109:21a "Do thou for me, O God the Lord, for thy name's sake."

1582- Dan. 4:3a "How great are his signs, and how mighty are his wonders!"

1583- Is. 51:12a "I, even I, am he that comforteth you."

1584- Ps. 51:9 "Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities."

1585- Is. 19:21a "And the LORD shall be known."

#109 Hymn- Burdens Are Lifted At Calvary

The hymn "Burdens Are Lifted At Calvary" was written by John M. Moore in 1952, who was also a Baptist pastor and evangelist in Scotland and Canada. The hymn was inspired by his experience witnessing a sailor find peace after praying about his burdens at a Glasgow hospital. John M. Moore wrote both the lyrics and the music for the hymn, which offers a message of hope and comfort.

Some encouraging words-

Effective praying will have a healthy balance of God speaking and the Christian listening, and the Christian speaking and God listening. “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jer. 33:3). Søren Kierkegaard suggests we must pray until we are silent, so we can then enter into the other side of prayer: hearing God.

Church Notes:

Abraham was a man of faithl He expected his efforts were his duty, and hurried to do what he could. He welcomed strangers and showed them hospitality to refresh and welcome them.

We're to use our gift of hospitality to further the kingdom, to refresh the souls of visitors and to welcome stangers.

Upcoming posts:

11/1- MINE-BLOWING TEACHING- Tom Felten

8th- ROYAL RETURN- Sheridr- Sheridan Yoysey

15th- BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING- Nancy Gavilanes