A Share on Prayer

[Bev]

From Oswald Chambers
Every time we pray our horizons are altered, our attitudes to things are altered, not sometimes but every time, and the amazing things is that we don't pray more. Prayer is a complete emancipation; it keeps us on the spiritual plane. When you are at one with another mind there is a telepathic influence all the time, and when born from above the communion is between God and yourself; "Keep that going," says Peter. "Arm yourselves also with the same mind."
Are you neglecting prayer? No matter what else is neglected, switch back at once. if you don't you will be a dangerous influence to the people round about you. Watch the snare of self-pity__ "Why should I go through this?" Be careful, you are at a danger spot. I feel as if Jesus Christ were staggered with surprise at some of us, amazed at the things we say to Him, astonished at our attitudes to HIm, at the sulks we get into, because we have forgotten to arm ourselves with the same mind.

[Therese]

This is an excellent word, and so true from Oswald Chambers, I think I will look to buy his book soon.
I find myself that the more I spend in talking with God, the more praising I do for who He is and the less asking I do for my needs, because He knows perfectely what I need before I ask Him, bless His name and your name Bev!

[Rob]

Bev,

Thank you for your advice and support.

Your comment where you say 'Perhaps tho He is speaking and for one reason or another you are not hearing' sounds very similar to what my wife says to me. That is a whole different story though and probably not for this website....lol

[Rob]

Ian,
Thankyou for your advice and supportive words.
I will ensure that I implement the steps, the words and the meaning behind these words into my prayer time.
You really made it simple for a novice like myself to understand.
I do need to have things spelt out for me.
I know the Lords Prayer very well. I must pray it a dozen times a day. So if this is His prayer where He is providing us with and example of what He feels prayer should be, then I can only be heading in the right direction.
This is His prayer blueprint for us to expand upon.

God bless
Rob

[Bev]

Rob, you are on the right track!! Your first steps are good ones in that you are seeking and questioning. God hears you and is working in your life. Sometimes He speaks but sometimes He is silent. He is not always speaking but He is ALWAYS working. Praying for others is a must but we must pray for ourselves too and God tells us to pray without anxiety. To be anxious for nothing!! God's timing is not our own so when He seems silent perhaps is for many reasons. Perhaps tho He is speaking and for one reason or another you are not hearing. I say, pray for clarity. Pray for Him to silence all voices but His. Then listen and wait. If you hear nothing wait some more. Keep praying and seeking and waiting. HE WILL ANSWER YOU!! Perhaps in some cases you have already received answers but are battling them. Seek clarity. And be prepared for the answer.

May God grant you answers,
Bev

[Rob]

I have also heard that if/when we pray according to His will He will hear us. My question, being relatively new in my Christian walk, is how do we know what His will is?
I guess I can answer my own question. When He answers you!!
So it is a case of hit and miss. When He answers we are on the money and when He doesn't we haven't quite got to where our prayer needs to be and it is a case of 'Keep Trying Rob'.
I try to not be selfish in prayer i.e. rollout the shopping list and I always try to put personal issues, requests at the very end of my prayers. I spend the majority of my time thanking Him, Praising Him and praying on behalf of others.
Am I headding in the right direction? I feel like I am stumbling around in the dark.

[Charles Burwell]

Dear Bev
Thank's for the reminder. I went through Oswald Chamber's devotional last year and he really says it plain and let's us deal with God about it. His devotional opened my eyes to a lot of things I had either forgotten or had no idea of . I try to think of what God may be thinking when I pray but I don't seem to recognize my 'attitudes ' until afterwards then I have to backtrack and acknowledge them to God.

I'm so thankful He's so patient. God bless you.

In His service