Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Quiet Moments With God -- Prayer

My last entry was a heart felt and passionate letter from a woman who fears for her country. Like her, I’m deeply concerned. And although it’s imperative that we stand up for what we believe, we must first pray—for one another, for our leaders, for our president.

Prayer is something of a puzzle to me. Certainly God can do exactly as He chooses when He chooses, and yet He tells us to pray. I know that speaking to God draws me closer to Him. Obviously prayer has a lot to do with our relationship. However, there are examples in the Bible where God didn’t move until His people prayed. I am convicted by 2nd Chronicles 7:14 where He says, “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” I believe this. God does not lie.

There is a word tucked inside this verse we dare not overlook. It is the word THEN. Then is an important word in scripture. It often follows the idea of, "if you—then I will". Simply wanting change isn’t enough to bring it about. God states that we must be humble, pray, seek Him and turn from our wicked ways—then He will forgive us and restore our land.

So much of God is a mystery to me. I don’t know exactly how He plans to work out His will in my life and in the lives of those I love, but I do know that His Word is true and I’d best heed what He has to say.

And so . . . I pray that I will be humble in all my ways. I pray I will seek God with a heart that longs for Him above all else. And I pray His goodness will prevail over my wickedness. And I pray that those who are called by His Name will pray for our country. God will not abandon us if we do not abandon Him.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

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