Motives and Misconceptions of Prayer
While intercessory prayer is certainly biblical, I wonder whether some of our assumptions and motivations behind this kind of prayer are unbiblical.
Do you find prayer difficult? We know that our heavenly Father will respond to our prayers with power and grace. But attempting to express our soul's deepest longings to the God of the universe sometimes leaves us silent.
Jesus knew His followers would struggle as they attempted to talk with God. So, in the Lord's Prayer, Jesus gave us an illustration of how to pray. Rather than reciting His words verbatim, we can learn from Jesus' model. His prayer included: worship, thanksgiving, a declaration of faith, confession of sin, and petition. Our Lord's example can help us put into words what our hearts long to say to God.
Do you need a boost in your prayer life? Then you will love these resources on prayer. They will help you deepen your own communion with the Lord. Remember—the God of the universe loves you, and His ear is inclined in your direction!
While intercessory prayer is certainly biblical, I wonder whether some of our assumptions and motivations behind this kind of prayer are unbiblical.
What’s your priority in life? An image? A name? A job? Once you’ve given your priorities to the Lord, who knows, He may pour them back on you. Or He may keep them at a safe distance and every once in a while let you enjoy a few. But they’ll all be added to you from His hand rather than from your own.
If you’re dealing with problems caused by your own foolishness, ask God what wise course of action you can take to turn your problems in the right direction. As you seek His wisdom for your decisions and responses to everyday life, the right attitudes and actions will become clearer.
Remembering your Creator means more than just thinking about Him now and then. It means keeping Him at the forefront of your mind so His will affects your attitudes and actions.
Intercessory prayer is not necessarily praying for relief for those who are suffering. It’s praying with purpose in light of a kingdom perspective.
Even though Paul had not seen the believers in Colossae face-to-face, he prayed for them. How would you pray for those you haven’t met?
How big is your God? Chuck Swindoll asks us to consider this question as he begins this new series. We’re learning to pray big, audacious prayers to the God of limitless possibilities.
This holiday season, join Pastor Chuck Swindoll as he shows how this ancient hymn instructs us to look beyond our earthly blessings and behold in gratitude the One Who’s so bountifully blessed us.
There are all kinds of prayers to fit all sorts of occasions. Chuck Swindoll mentions one that's always OK to pray to our understanding God. Maybe you've prayed it before.
Christians do not tap into the wisdom of the mind of Christ because they do not know their Bibles. And so they make decisions based on feelings, worldly wisdom, or ideas from people claiming to speak for God.