John wrote: "Sometimes, it is not His will that you find something. The
answer my be, yes, later or never."
Phil Answered: "Then why pray at all? Sounds like Russian roulette with no
bullets in any chambers."
What about Paul's request three times to be delivered from his thorn in the
flesh (Second Corinthians 12:7-10)? It seems to me the Word of God is quite
clear about the answer being NO! I rather doubt that we can change God's
mind -- more likely He will change ours. Now then, I am not saying that we
cannot ask for specific help, that is a form of prayer, or communication
with God which we are instructed to do. Let's not being telling God what He
should do, but rather seeking His desire for us.
I like to think of "prayer" as "grace communication." There are 8 different
words found in the original Greek of the New Testament which describe our
communication with God. In English they are: worship, praise, thanksgiving,
intercession, supplication, asking, confession and vow. (See Philippians
4:6, First Timothy 2:1, Hebrews 13:15 and James 5:15.) Most often the word
"prayer" might better be translated "worship". Here's a definition:
"'Prayer' is the form of communication in which worship is directed to the
Godhead. WORSHIP is a heart (soul, spirit and will of man) attitude in which
the believer, knowing who and what God is, gives back to God His whole
weight. Other forms of communication may interrupt or be included during
worship communication without changing the character of worship or of the
other form of communication." -- adapted from H.L. Schafer
The following is adapted and modified from Wuest's Expanded translation of
the New Testament.
Philippians 4:6 "Stop worrying about even one thing, but in everything by
prayer whose essence is that of worship and devotion and by supplication
which is a cry for help, after thanksgiving let your
requests for the things asked for be made known in the presence of God.
First Timothy 2:1-3 I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications
be made continually for unknown needs, prayers of worship, intercessions,
giving of
thanks on behalf of all men, on behalf of kings and all those holding high
positions, in order that a quiet and peaceful life we may be leading in
every godliness and becoming deportment. This is good and acceptable in the
sight of our Saviour God.
hebrews 13:15 Through Him [Jesus], therefore, let us be offering a
sacrifice of praise continually to God, that is, the fruit of lips which
make confession or agreement with His Name and/or character.
james 5:15 And the vow or promise offered in faith shall make the sick in
soul person well, and the Lord shall raise him up. And if he is in a state
of having
committed sin [i.e., under the moral or physical consequences of having
sinned], it shall be forgiven him.
Listening for His shout!
Grant
Website: http://bartimaeus.us/
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