Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.I Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
On my travels this week, I listened to sermons. Most of them were about Baptist Heritage and were really interesting and eye opening. One was on prayer. Isn't it amazing how prayer is really such a simple thing, talking to God. Yet it is easy to neglect. The pastor went through a list of things we often do that we could replace with prayer.
Here are a few:
- Worry--instead, pray about the situation
- Frustration--pray about the situation or for the person who is frustrating you.
- Gossip--pray for the person instead of gossiping.
- Discouragement--pray about the situation.
- Anger at/Dislike of others--pray for the person.
- Conflict with authority--pray that God will change your heart or their heart.
- Unable to sleep--pray
- Difficult time making a decision--pray about it
- Temptation--pray God will show you a way of deliverance!
Work has been difficult at times lately, so I am making it a point to pray for each person in our company every day, at least once. Now that I say that, though I realized I forgot our owner--will need to add him. It was amazing how much better today was--much less frustrating.
Isn't it so simple! Bring our difficulties to God instead of trying to handle things ourselves--what a concept! I am also praying that God will remind me to pray!
One other thought--If we are getting frustrated or worrying, it is because we are trying to handle things ourselves instead of trusting God--the all-knowing, all-powerful One who has promised to take care of us!!! How silly! Now to remember this all the time!!!
3 comments:
Reminds me of the verse in "What a Friend We Have in Jesus": "O, what peace we often forfeit, o, what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer."
I love that song. It is so true that we often carry around burdens that we should give to Him. He promises that His burden is light! Why is it that something so simple is so easy to forget???
I was reading the famous passage in the Sermon on the Mount this morning about this very topic (seek ye first . . .). Such a comfort!
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