CONDITION
FOR EFFECTIVE PRAYER
By Reverend Edwinal Ballard
Since
September 11, 2001 it seems that “NOW” every one is
focused on prayer. People from all walks of life are praying that God
will bless America. This is a good thing, finally “The Great
Sleeping Giant, The Church” is awaking. Praise God!
We at Christian Compassion Center believe in praying God’s Word.
While it is true that prayer is an avenue through which God blesses
us (see Matthew 7:7-11) to think prayer is only to meet our needs is
to miss the fullness of a relationship with God. Prayer is much more
than reciting a “wish list”, prayer is a conversation between
you and your Father God. Notice the word conversation, this word is
composed of two Latin parts: “con” Meaning “with” and “verse” meaning, “to
keep company”. When we combine the two, we see that conversation
means to keep company with someone in this case, God. In order for
prayer to be effective, like any conversation it requires both talking
and listening.
Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 Tells us,” Guard your steps
when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer
the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. Do not
be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything
before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words
be few.”
I am not saying that we should always be silent before
God, because He does desire to communicate with us. However, we are
frequently inclined to talk more than we listen and to be effective
at communicating requires both talking and listening.
Speak...Listen...Obey, Prayer also requires obedience. E.M. Bounds
has said, “If you desire to pray to God, you must first
have a consuming desire to obey Him." Remember our obedience
puts us into the position to receive. Amen! I pray you were blessed
by this
teaching.
“ Our Father in Heaven, reveal who you are, set the world right;
do what's best as above, so below. Keep us a live with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and
the
Devil. You're in charge! You can do anything you want! You're ablaze in Beauty.” Yes!
Yes! Yes!
(Matthew 6 Eugene Peterson, The Message Bible).
We love, you dearly at Christian Compassion Center...