Remember the 3 R's... Readin', Ritin' and Rithmetic? :) I am guessing that's how you spell reading, writing and arithmetic with an R. Reading, Writing and Arithmetic, those three subjects that followed us along each year we were in school. I can tell you, I was NOT a math girl. I loved to read, loved history, but math - ick! But I digress.
How about three new R's... for our prayer life! Our church kicked off a year long focus on prayer yesterday. We were given 3 R's for our prayer life during this spiritual renewal program that I wanted to share with you.
Recoginizing Jesus' Lordship over all.
Then Jesus came to them and said "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ~ Matthew 28:18
Responding to His Acts
Be joyful always; pray continually; given thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will fo you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessolonians 5:16-18
Requesting from Your Father...
When Jesus finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples." Jesus said to them, "When you pray say" 'Father....' ~ Luke 11: 1 - 2
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ~ Phillipians 4:6
The verse from Phillipians really fell on my heart this morning during my devotions. I am in real estate and the market is down. I have to admit that there are days that I feel scared to what the future holds. I had to ask myself some questions as I lingered over those words from scripture. Am I dancing around what I really want from God? What I really want to ask Him to do? Am I specifically asking Him to help me? Or am I generalizing what I want from Him? For instance, am I asking Him to get a house sold for a client who needs their home sold? Or am I just praying to help me in my business while secretly holding on to doubt? Oh forgive my unbelief Lord! If if be His will, it will be done! But ask child! That's what He is telling me. For crying out loud He knows what I want - I don't have to ask, but oh how He loves it when I do. I think we are afraid to ask for things that pertain to money sometimes for fear of looking greedy. He knows the heart. It's OK to pray for money - as long as it is in step with what God would want for us. I could pray to win the lottery, but is that what I mean when I say it's OK to pray for money? No, not at all... I need to pray for what provides me with my daily bread. That pleases Him... He wants me to ask.
So, I will present my requests, with thanksgiving, knowing that He will provide...
Gracious Father, You are an awesome God and I am so thankful that I can come to you and ask! I thank You for all the blessings You have provided me... I thank You for the blessings You will provide in the future. I thank You that I can ask You to help me in money matters and that You will answer! Forgive me when I doubt, when I fear, when I cooperate with Satan. You are Lord of all, You will provide me for what I need and there is nothing I cannot come to You and ask! Amen
10 comments:
Pray for specifics. Until God indicates otherwise, bring your requests to God and let him handle them from then on. I always find it helpful to pray for myself and for others in the exact measure needed. If God chooses to answer differently, then it won't be because I didn't ask.
I don't know any other way to live but to speak it! Today, I'm praying for my 17 year old son. He was involve in a car accident this afternoon; his fault. Pulled out to make a left turn in front of someone and was hit. Thankfully, he is ok along with the other driver. But when my mind wanders to how it could have gone...
I shudder in confusion and worry. Taking it to Jesus this day. Also, Bible study begins tomorrow night and I have miles to go before I sleep. Would appreciate your prayers for Colton and for my leadership as a parent and as a friend to others.
peace~elaine
Yes, He loves it when we ask. He is just waiting for us to ask.
Be Blessed, Cindy
Kristen, good post! I am thinking of the times when I pray, but don't really expect anything. I feel the Lord is calling me to have greater faith in his ability to do as he says he will do. I will be more intentional about my prayers and continue to believe in his Word. God is good and faithful, amen? Amen!
He wants to give you the desires of your heart, you are His precious daughter and your heart is in line with His! May God bless you in every moment this week!
I struggle with doubt too.
My husband started his own business recently and it is difficult to pay bills on time as he is waiting for outstanding receiveables coming in.
Each month we are faced with wondering if we will get our mortgage in on time.
Yesterday at church in a small group we spoke of satans tactics of fear and doubt. Knowing his tactics and being more aware of what he is trying to do makes it easier to run from him.
Lets run together to Christ who loves us so much more than we will ever know!
Kristen,
Yes, God does love when we ask and when we believe Him for what we've asked for. When His answer is "yes", "no", or "not right now" He is ALWAYS working on our behalf. He is faithful to provide ALL of our needs. I love that He knows our needs so much better than we ever do. Thanks for sharing your heart.
Looking forward to reading your "5 things"...
Have a blessed day!
I thank you for this "prayer" encouragement today....There are so many things that need repaired or replaced around our home, but I have not "specifically" prayed about them...As you know with times how they are right now, we have not had any "extra" money to take care of those things that are inevitable when you have lived in a house for 17 years.....But He does want us to ask, and He does want us to take care of the things that He has blessed us with.
So thank you, Kristen. Today I will start specifically praying for help in that area....Like you said, He already knows we have need of these things, so I might as well ask, amen? ;)
God Bless,
Amy:)
Oh how I've always loved and clinged to Phil. 4:6 and also 7 "and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus".
You know the recent prayer request I've petitioned from the Lord as I believe I included you in my email. I know you can understand my request since it deals with your profession. I covet your prayers in the selling of my house after 15 months on the market. My email tells more detail.
Thanks for this reminder that He does know our needs but He loves to hear us ask because it shows our RELIANCE on Him and our belief in Him to fulfill our needs according to His best.
Love,
Paula
Kristen~
I'm so glad you are going to be a part of the bible study!!!
Kristen....you have encouraged me also.I truly can understand what you are struggling with as I am a fellow Realtor in Texas. The market is slow down here as well and I have moments that the enemy catches me at a weak moment and I doubt. I then will turn to what always works the best for me and that is to PRAISE him like crazy for all that he is doing and has done and will keep doing. I know the media and news tell us things are bad in real estate right now but our God is a mighty big God and is larger than a slow market. Thank you again, I needed to know someone else is going thru the same stuff. You are in my prayers.
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