This week I’m concentrating on the second in a series on prayer.
I want to say that we talk to God because he listens, and we listen because God talks. I say, "I want to say", but the ramifications . . .
I tend to have a deaf ear for some conversations. Not that I don’t hear. I just listen with no intent of acting. Many a wife has said to their husband, "Are you listening?" They know full well they are. They are just not going to act on what is being asked.
I don’t think God is that way. When we pray we can expect God to change his mind, even as he expects us to change our minds and actions based on what he wants us to do. But how can God change his mind? I think God’s intentions are thwarted by our sinfulness. When we repent, then God has every right to head in the original direction of intention — to provide blessing. On the other hand — no repentance, no blessing.
That’s a simple answer to a complex question.
Another simple consideration — the more I consider the action of prayer, the more I return to answered prayer all around me. This tends to highlight the statement — "God is affected by our conversations with Him."
Two quick approaches! Many more approaches are needed to fully understand God and prayer. In fact, I think I will never be able to fully understand God. But, for the moment I have seen answered prayer and God’s faithfulness just keeps me trusting that He will continue to answer.
Good morning
I love hearing insights on prayer —
I am currently on a journey of prayer — using the ‘prayer of Jabez” – I have used this prayer in my journal several times and each time I have learned something new.
This time my focus seems to be on blessings – with the main question what does God bless – and that causes me to think of Gen. – Rev. – lots of becoming more and more like Christ – a serious challenge with the world so close.
Prayer of complex for sure — I sometimes wonder why God thought it up — and then I see an answer to prayer come and I am so glad that He lets us in on His work this way.
I have also heard it said — prayer is a conversation with God our best friend who we want to listen more to than talk to. Hm. another challenge
May God richly bless your series on prayer.
MaryAnne
Hi Ron,
I am just getting into blogging. Men’s Bible Study is working our way through the Gospel of Mark.
If you are checking into Randall’s blog you will know about George Goulet. If you read my blog, you will read some of my reflections on George and the closure of Covenant Bible College.
Dan Stroman is president of the ministerial this year and being ordained a Baptist minister May 27th. Plan to miss a Cathedral Corporation meeting to be there.
God Bless!
Art