And this I am praying, that your love may be superabounding still more and more in realization and all sensibility, for you to be testing what things are of consequence, that you may be sincere and no stumbling block for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that is through Jesus Christ for the glory and laud of God
Paul to the Philippians 1: 9-11, Concordant New Testament
This past week I was intrigued by a post by Wayne Jacobsen which he titled "Finding romance on the God journey." This coincided with his weekly The God Journey podcast. I've seen Wayne touch on more than a few topics which I honestly have not seen as religious in nature, but this one got to me. The fact remains that somewhere around 51% of Americans proclaim themselves to be single, including myself. What Wayne Jacobsen may have just done is tap into something which many Americans wish for themselves. That being the love and companionship that comes with a marriage relationship. In the past, growing up in the church, I was told that I should make my requests for marriage known to the Lord. Well, that's all fine and good, but what about the faith and well-being of my future mate? The other day I asked of a good friend of mine, one who has enjoyed over fifty years of marriage, about what he prays over his wife for. His response? He prays for the Fathers peace over her among other things. I get it. See, women are designed differently than men for a unique reason, created by the Father to be that compliment to her mate {Genesis 2:18}. After my friend responded with his answer to my question, I realized that what is needed is not the general "Name it and claim it" prayers of the mainstream church, but a more proactive prayer for my future mate. My prayers should be for her health, her knowledge of her life in the Father and for Gods peace surrounding her. The truth is, as God prepares me for a new chapter in my life, he is also preparing her for that moment as well. The traditional way of prayer which is taught within the mainstream church all too often speaks to the literal definition found in the scriptures. How many grew up being taught that if we're to ask of God that He will provide us what we are seeking? One look into the scriptures will reveal more than a few verses which speak to this {Johns Account 15:7, Johns Account 14:13, Marks Account 11:24}. I see this as reactionary prayer. That is, we realize there is a need and we seek the Lord to provide that need for us. This despite the fact that Jesus Himself has spoken that the Father already knows what we need {Matthews Account 6:8}. Why not, then, be proactive in our prayers?
Do not worry about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, that is superior to every frame of mind, shall be garrisoning your hearts and apprehensions in Christ Jesus
Paul to the Philippians 4: 6-7, Concordant New Testament
I believe that the apostle Paul was onto something when he spoke to prayer in the book of Philippians. Paul speaks to not being anxious about anything, but in everything let our requests be made known to God {Paul to the Philippians 4:6-7}. I admit that for much of my life, I was a reactionary praying man. When the need arose, I lifted my prayers unto the Lord. Many times these prayers were spoken as I was filled with anxiety and other emotions of the moment. Now, there's nothing wrong with this, as the scriptures are filled with those of old who cried out to God in the moments of their distress. I believe that what Paul was attempting to get across with his iconic scripture was to rest in the love and grace of the Father as we pray. Obviously, in the heat of the moment this might not be the easiest thing to do. But the prayers offered for a future mate are not simply prayers in the heat of the moment. These are proactive prayers for the person which the Father chosen for us. Obviously, if His spirit has placed it upon our hearts the desire for that relationship with another, then we can certainly pray over that person He has chosen. That they know their life is in the Father. That His peace will surround them. These are proactive prayers for the relationship we seek. Of course, our proactive prayers can most definitely be spoken for any area of our life or that of those around us. That they would come to know the truth of the Father. That their eyes would be opened to the truth of Jesus in them. One thing that we can be certain of is that He hears our prayers.
~Scott~
No comments:
Post a Comment