8-15-2017

Good Morning All,

           Romans 8:32; “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”

         So we were having a discussion on prayer.  It was the standard discussion.  Can I pray?  When should we pray?  How should we pray?  Does God answer prayer?  When does God answer prayer?  How does God answer prayer?  These are by far the most common question; these are the thoughts that cause us to question the effectiveness of prayer and the value of prayer.

    Yes, you can pray; it is simply opening your heart to God.  It is not about how fancy or eloquent the words are but the sincerity of the heart and the desire of faith that gives you the ability to pray.  Plus, don’t forget, you have the Holy Spirit and Jesus praying for you as well.  You should pray often every day and especially when you are troubled or worried.  You should pray in faith, trusting that God will answer your prayer.  God answers all prayers and in his time which is best for you.

    The last question was the one that was discussed.  How does God answer prayer?  The standard answer is yes, no, or maybe later.  I would disagree with this line of thinking.  God always answers “yes”.  Now before the hue and cry is raised; hear this out.  God always answers yes to the best.  He answers yes to what is best for you.  I think this is different than “no” or “maybe later”.  “No” or “maybe, later” tend to make prayer from our perspective.  It says that we look at our desires as being the best thought out there for us.  But if we realize that God always wills to give us what is best for us; it might take the sting of a “no” away quicker.  Instead of thinking that God didn’t give me what I want; we should realize that God gives us what is best for us.  God says “yes” to what is best for us.

    We can see this truth when we see and remember that God sent Jesus, his only-begotten Son, to be the payment for our debt of sin.  We see the purest form of love in this action.  This love, so freely given to us, will always be given to our best benefit.  The Father will always give us His best love.  We always get God’s best.  His perfect love for us, revealed in Jesus, will always give us His best for us.

    So as we pray, ask for what you desire but rest assured that what we receive is God’s yes and that “yes” is what is best for us.  Give thanks for the gifts that God gives us because they are his best for us.  Trust in his great mercy, seek his grace and live in the peace of his eternal love.

Father of all mercy, your love for us knows no bounds.  We receive our best gifts from you.  Keep us in your loving arms that we may know your peace.  Be with those who struggle with the challenges of this life.  Send your Spirit to give them hope.  Send your Spirit of peace to our land.  Guide us to walk in your ways. In the precious name of Jesus we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret