Thoughts for Life: #14 A Prayer

~ Marion Stroud- Dear Lord, I want to thank You for the privilege of prayer. Thank You that I can come to You at any time, day or night, and know that You will never be too busy, too tired, or too concerned with Your own pressing problems—as even the best of human confidants can be—to listen and to care. (Google image, praying hands)

But Lord while being thankful for the privilege, I do get puzzled about the process of prayer and wonder if I am asking for the right things for all the people who populate my life, knowing that there are prayers I pray month after month, year after year, and still do not see the longed-for change within myself and others.

But even though I do not understand the way You work in answer to my prayers, I praise You that no prayer is lost, ignored, or forgotten. And as I Pray, You move often in hidden, silent ways to bring about Your purposes which may not be the thing I asked for in the first place but which will always work out for my good if I will trust You. [Excerpted from Dear God, It's Me and It's Urgent, by Marion Stroud].

Let's pray-

Father, we agree with Marion's prayer. We do thank You for the privilege of prayer, though we sometimes wonder, too, why we don't see changes in folks we're praying for.

Help us trust Your judgment in answering our prayers, as we learn that You know what's best, and will always work things out for our good and for Your glory. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Today's Bible verses:

Hebrews 4:16 "So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most."

1 Thess. 5:16-18 "Always be joyful, Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."

Psalm 143:1 "Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my plea! Answer me because you are faithful and righteous.

Quote for today-

~ Rachel Wojo- "When you don’t know what else to do, when life is upside down and it seems there is no end in sight, just keep on praying. Keep the communication flowing from your heart to the heart of God. Even if the emotions you feel aren't pleasant, the Lord longs to hear from you because you're His daughter."

Words of wisdom-

~ When we are motivated by God’s Word, we are led to obey what it tells us. He is actively involved in the lives of those who are His children, and who are endeavoring to accomplish His will for them.

Today's guest post-

Max Lucado’s Definition of Faith

~ Max Lucado- "The goal of the Christian life isn’t happiness. It’s to become more and more yielded to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Then inner peace and joy will be the byproducts. Because as we choose to obey Him, our Redeemer will often heal our emotional wounds. He is, after all, a very loving Master."