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Prayer
Jeff:
I've been struggling with something that has been causing me great stress for almost 8 months. Along the way, I've prayed for death many times, and intermittently begged God to take "my" cup from me. I've read Ray's paper on prayer many times, and understand that God never changes His mind, and down deep I'm very grateful for that.
1Thessalonians 5 tells us to "...continually pray ye..."
But I think I've not been thinking correctly about that.
I've prayed for God to take my cup from me, at least a dozen times, every day, for 8 months - continually.
I don't think that's what God is telling us when He says to pray continually.
What I was wondering is if anyone has prayed for something and then stopped praying for it because you realized that it wasn't God's will to answer in the way you hoped?
This thing - it's like a splinter in my flesh - and it torments me. I've woken up in the morning and even before my head is clear I find myself praying.
I don't know if I'm supposed to stop praying or continue endlessly.
indianabob:
Friend Jeff,
I realize that I do not have a complete answer for you, but I will offer this short verse in hopes that it will get something better started. The apostle Paul provided an example that may be a guide to your prayer. In great sincerity Paul implored the lord three time and his answer was as the scripture states. The purpose of the thorn was to keep Paul humble...
Regards, ole Indiana Bob
2Co 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
2Co 12:8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2Co 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Jeff:
--- Quote from: indianabob on November 20, 2015, 10:20:33 PM ---Friend Jeff,
I realize that I do not have a complete answer for you, but I will offer this short verse in hopes that it will get something better started. The apostle Paul provided an example that may be a guide to your prayer. In great sincerity Paul implored the lord three time and his answer was as the scripture states. The purpose of the thorn was to keep Paul humble...
Regards, ole Indiana Bob
2Co 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
2Co 12:8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2Co 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
--- End quote ---
Thank you Bob. I often think about Paul, and that's the reason I refer to what I'm experiencing as a thorn, although that's probably presumptuous of me as I don't belong aside Paul.
I think it's time for me to stop praying for God to answer my prayer and start for something real - God's will in my life.
Joel:
Hi Jeff,
I'm sure God's will shall be done in your life, as well as all the rest of us.
How would it change things if he told you that you would live another 25 years or even longer?
Joel
Extol:
Hi Jeff,
The other day I was listening to the 2007 conference and Ray was talking about patience...how we as humans always want to be somewhere we're not, or be in a better situation than we are in. We want to be out of debt NOW, we want to get a raise NOW, we want our children to be well-mannered NOW, rather than working towards these things.
The debt example was a good one for me. I've been able to pay off a good chunk of our debt this year, and I have been looking forward to when it is all paid off. It is a nice goal to have, but the problem is when I think too much about it and plan too far ahead, I get impatient. I just want the debt gone NOW. I may plan to have all my debts paid in, say, 18 months, but the fact is, I have no idea what our situation will be then. I might lose my job, we might have an expensive family emergency, etc. The only thing I can do is take it one day at a time, one week at a time, one month at a time, and pay what God allows me to pay, and thank Him for it...hopefully while learning patience and lessons about financial responsibility.
You mentioned that verse about praying ceaselessly in 1 Thessalonians 5. Have you been doing the two things sandwiched around that? Verse 16: Rejoice evermore. Verse 18: In every thing give thanks.
We always tend to think of thanksgiving as giving thanks for the good things, but we need to give thanks in EVERY thing. I need to thank God for my debts (and other problems), and you need to thank God for the thorn in your side. And in the midst of your suffering, I hope you can Rejoice in the knowledge that it will not always be there. :)
Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;
To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and shield.
For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.
Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.
Psalm 33:18-22.
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