Day 49. Pray. Love Forgive

Day 49.  On this day I ran across an article by Robert Velarde on what we should not expect prayer to be.
I loved the short but encompassing examples.  Take a look.....

What Prayer Is Not

Now that we have a clearer understanding of God's nature, it may be tempting to delve right into a definition of prayer. But first let's take a brief look at what prayer is not (this is by no means an exhaustive list):

• Prayer is not magic. We cannot summon God as though He were a genie, waiting to grant our wishes without regard for our circumstances or the consequences.
• Prayer does not make demands. While we can make requests of God in prayer, we dare not make demands. God is the Creator of the universe and does not take orders from us.
• Prayer is for our benefit, not God's. We need a relationship with God, available to us through Jesus Christ and engaged primarily through prayer, because we were made to function best when we are in a proper relationship with our Creator.
• Prayer is not a guarantee against suffering. "In this world you will have trouble" (John 16:33); "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed" (1 Peter 4:12-13).
• Prayer is not an opportunity for us to show off. "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men" (Matthew 6:5).

Our prayer for today:

Father God.  May I never use prayer as anything but an opportunity to grow closer to you through dialogue, companionship, relationship and authenticity.  Although You know everything about me, You yearn for me to learn more about You through our prayer language.  I thank you that you are never too busy, too important, too angry or too preoccupied that You will not engage intimately with me.  There is no greater love than devotion to You in my life.  Thank you for being more than a friend, thank you for being my God.

Amen.

**Cathy is a professional speaker, writer, dramatist/story teller, worship leader.  You may contact her below or at cwoolaway@yahoo.com or 217 521 2070.