Hebrews and James - Praying for the "Right" Things (10 Years of Reflectionary)

First posted on Saturday, October 24, 2009

So often in prayer, we ask God for "easy things." First we pray for God's blessings and guidance. We pray for Him to put a wall around us to keep us from evil. And then comes the body of prayer - usually a list of medical needs, or sustenance for people going through some form of loss.

Blessings from God - that's easy. Who doesn't want to be blessed? And since we are people of faith, we are sure not to mind if we are not better off a week, month, or year from now.

Guidance? Well, yes, if it is generic guidance. We ask for the guidance, but that is where it ends. And if you are a believer in any kind of God, why wouldn't you want Him guiding you? It's like, well God, lead me but don't let me know about it.

Protection from evil. Definitely! Of course we do not want to face evil!

Medical needs of others, and prayers for those that are suffering. Yes, of course! Give me a long list of names of other people that are suffering, and I will do my duty and pray for them. It will all be in God's hands now. Either He heals them or He doesn't. But at least I have prayed!

So if any of you lack guidance, ask God, who gives to all freely without begrudging, and you shall receive it.

The the thing that God longs for us to ask for - is for Him to guide us!!

I would suggest that, if you are not in something that is clearly building God's kingdom, that you are not letting Him guide you. If it does not take you out of your comfort zone, then you have not come to understand what God wants for you. If you are just going through the motions, paying bills, going to work, doing the chores, without a thought crossing your mind that God may have intended your talents for something more, then chances are you have not asked God for guidance . . . really.

Go ahead - ask God to guide you. Tell Him you are ready for a change. Tell Him you want to build His kingdom in measurable, concrete, timely, and effective ways. Yes, tell Him this.

And then seek those around you that are doing God's will, or that want to do His will. Now encourage and pray for them. Make their path easier, not more burdensome.

Have this attitude, and see if God is not, truly, good on His promise to guide you.