Awesome photo is by Dear Friend Janice Polk White
Tribune Content Agency
Why aren’t I better at praying?Jul 24, 2019 |
|
| From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: I wish I could do better at praying. I try, but I get so distracted and my mind always comes up with important things to do. Why is this? — P.D. A: Prayer is more than a wish; it is the voice of faith directed to God. Prayer should not be merely an act; it is a way of life. We must learn to shut out the distractions that come from Satan. He wants to break the fellowship with the Master of our lives so that we become ineffective. Life is busy for most, but still we generally find time for the things we truly want to do. Prayer is for every moment of our lives. This is why the Bible tells us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). It is an attitude, an acknowledgement, that God knows our thoughts and sees our deeds, but do we actually ever share our hearts with Him? One of the best ways to prepare ourselves for prayer is to read the Word of God. We must not allow distractions to discourage us. When we keep our eyes fixed on God’s promises we are encouraged, and this can only be done by listening to the Word of the Lord. He has spoken to us on every subject that concerns us. How wonderful it is to make the Bible central in our lives — not to just know it, but obey it. We cannot afford to be too busy to pray. In the Bible God speaks to us; in prayer we speak to God. Both are essential. Most Bibles remain unopened and unread and then we panic when our lives begin to falter. If we cling to this Guidebook, it will lead us to the Guide, the Lord Jesus Christ, and His Spirit will “teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1). ======== (This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.) (c)2019 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
|
|
I believe the greatest prayer you might ever utter, and the most powerful response from God, would be the incorporation of words to this effect: “Thy Kingdom come: Thy will be done: deliver us from the evil one.”
Imagine, if you will, when you say, “Thy Kingdome come”, you are inviting the Messiah Himself to walk freely, boldly, and unhindered into your world.
“Come, my King Jesus! Come into our hearts! Come into our families! Be LORDover our fears and doubts! Come into Your Churches and establish Your Kingdom rule! Come into our work-places! Come into our schools! Come into our land and take Your Throne here! Come into our high government offices! LORD, God, come because we ask You; come and occupy every corner of this land, this community, this block, our very lives, and deliver us from the evil one, Satan himself!”
This prayer: “Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven”acknowledges and confesses God’s Sovereignty over all things, then releases its power and scope into the earth.
Oh, beloved believer, there is another ‘kingdom’ at work on the earth. There is another ‘will’ being done. This other kingdom must go if God’s Kingdom is to come. These kingdoms are in extreme opposition to one another. They are at war for the same allegiance and the same territory. They cannot exist together. “Thy kingdom come,”certainly includes this necessity, though unspoken, “the other kingdom must depart.” “Thy will be done” includes by the same inference this: “the other will be undone.”
Christian, who are you to ask such things? Who are you to ask God to take control of your world? You are His child!
“So let us come boldly to the very throne of God and stay there to receive His mercy and find grace to help us in our times of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)
Beloved, Pray On!
