Weekend Speaker: Ben Sigman
Theme: Blueprints for a Better Life - A "How To" Guide On Prayer
Read: Isaiah 55:8-9; Mark 14:32-36; Matthew 6:9-13
Think: Some of us might think that prayer is something that only very reverent and holy individuals can do, or that we must be the next coming of Sir Laurence Olivier to be heard. I am here to dispel those thoughts, as I am not very reverent at times, and I am not as holy as I would like, nor am I a classically trained actor!! Prayer is an essential, not an optional part of our life in developing our relationship with the Lord.
We are often driven to prayer when life's circumstances are beyond our control. We find ourselves on our knees intimately speaking to, and pleading with God. We do know for certain that He is listening to our prayers; the thing we don't know however, is the outcome of our petitions. I can vividly recall almost each and every moment I was humbled by life’s trials, and consequently found myself reaching for God’s helping hand.
If you are like me, I often pray for an outcome without reverence for God's sovereignty, and His will. Are we really willing to humbly, no matter the cost, ask for and accept God's will in our prayers? In reading from the Gospel of Mark today, Jesus taught us through His words and actions at the Garden of Gethsemane. In His humanness He desired a different outcome, in His Godhood He desired His Father’s will. God’s tender heart hears our cries, our agony, our desperation, but we must also trust His plan no matter the outcome. His plan is much greater than we can often see, and we may not ever come to fully comprehend it while we walk the earth. Our faith and our trust in the Lord is what must carry us through.
Do: Think about your prayers. Are you seeking God’s will, or just an outcome to meet your wishes? God’s in it for the long term…join Him in that journey.
Pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. “ Lord, lead me to accept your will for my life. Thank you for listening to my prayer. May I look to you always. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.