|
Post by wanttobewithGod on Sept 7, 2007 15:22:00 GMT -5
Does anyone ever do this?? ;D (I have a feeling this is gonna be embarrassing, but oh well.) I drove my son to school this morning because it was raining; he normally walks to school, but I enjoy spending time with him, and he didn't need to get soaked (well, drizzled on. By then it had nearly ebbed off, but eh...why not?) He's 14, but we're still very close..always have been....though, of course, he has taken to giving me my kiss on the cheek *before* we actually reach the school now! LOL. ANYWAY....I digress. I pray, as many of you do, often times throughout the day in little increments as well as at night...and ...just as though God and I were just talking. It often sounds as though I'm kind of talking to myself out loud...but...it's God. (I'll get to the point eventually) As I pulled away and saw him looking back and waving when I glanced in the rearview mirror, I stuck my hand out the window and said, Oh please God don't let anything happen to him. I love that kid so much...I just don't think I could handle it...or something close to that...you know...I'm sure all of you parents have thought/felt the same thing at one time (or many!) or another. Then I noticed myself still talking...things like...well not "anything" happen to him, but you know what I mean...blah blah. Then I realized, yeah...when I pray, I often put all of these conditions on it....or, not conditions maybe...but I overexplain myself to death..to GOD!!! LOL. It was only this morning (I know, crazy right???) that I finally realized...you know....WHY do I do that?? God knows everything about me...so he knows *exactly* what I'm getting at....why am I overexplaining this so much?? Sheesh...shouldn't have taken me to age 35 for *that* big revelation, but I guess it did. LOL. Just thought I would share, as it kind of amused me. Mich
|
|
|
Post by wingsofaneagle on Sept 7, 2007 17:08:35 GMT -5
I totally know what you mean! Sometimes i catch myself "explaining" things to God and then I'm like "uh ok, like he doesnt know that already"!!!! I figure he doesn't mind... he's just happy we're talking to him during the day and most of all entrusting him with the care of our children. ;D
|
|
|
Post by Sylvestra on Sept 7, 2007 17:31:56 GMT -5
I do the same thing a lot! I reflected on this some time ago, and I think it is because God is our father (our daddy if you will). I know that He will always listen, and is never to busy or distracted to lend an ear. Edy
|
|
|
Post by selah on Sept 7, 2007 17:57:51 GMT -5
Ya...when we listen to our children...or grandchildren ..... our thoughts race to the conclusion of what they're likely saying, long before they actually get there! As a parent, I was sometimes impatient...and would help them get there by finishing their sentences for them. Now, as a grandparent, I simply enjoy watching them jump from one foot to the next, twisting their shirts in their fingers, looking at the ceiling and every slight distraction that goes by them. I love to listen to their big gulps of air, and long pauses as they search for the right word. Their expressions are so animated, their eyes wide and bright. Somehow their stories from beginning to end just become more priceless all the time! Blessings, Linda
|
|
|
Post by Scott Ross on Sept 7, 2007 18:07:31 GMT -5
Howdy, I've had long disjointed ramblings with God. When I'm cruising down the highway on my big ol' Honda with my wife cruising along on her bike, I like to keep in close contact with God. You know..... remind him of how vulnerable we are out there. I find my prayers wander quite a bit in situations like that, but I do say a lot of prayers while cruising... I also do a lot of praying when I'm out in our hot tub. It's actually one of my favorite places to pray, as it can be quite peaceful and relaxing. (my very favorite place is up in the mountains surrounded by Gods art work.) Very conducive to the being in the right frame of mind. I've said a lot of prayers for a lot of people who post here on the board there. Scott
|
|
juju
Senior Member
Posts: 263
|
Post by juju on Sept 7, 2007 21:11:33 GMT -5
nice thread...................................thanks all
|
|
|
Post by Carefully on Sept 7, 2007 21:28:48 GMT -5
From your little two wheeler, to me and my big 18 wheeler... all rolling down the road praying away...
Lots of things have been opened up to me while rolling down a lonely stretch of highway, sometimes late at night.
I have pulled over sometimes at 10:00am Sunday morning just to be alone with God and have felt like I sat thru a meeting when I got done praying and reading... very special to have God fill you with so much by just stopping in the middle of the day and being alone.
|
|
|
Post by wanttobewithGod on Sept 7, 2007 22:39:34 GMT -5
You just reminded me of that Alabama song...Roll On (highway, roll on along..roll on daddy til you get home ... and roll on 18 wheeler, roll on. ROLL ON!~) Hehe. Sounds nice to pull over and 'have meeting' M.
|
|
|
Post by Scott Ross on Sept 7, 2007 23:58:13 GMT -5
Howdy carefully, Your post: .....From your little two wheeler, to me and my big 18 wheeler... all rolling down the road praying away...Please, Please be sure to keep your eyes open while you're praying...... so I don't have to..... Scott
|
|
savedbyblood
Junior Member
Eventually we'll figure it all out!
Posts: 57
|
Post by savedbyblood on Sept 8, 2007 0:56:55 GMT -5
While praying I find myself alone in conversation with God. There is no need to speak in the "Old English" vernacular or to "toe the 2by2 line" in order to keep from offending someone in the meeting that may be Holier than me and tattle to the Workers. Prayer in Meeting, "Public Prayer" if you will almost always are some variation of the example prayer Jesus gave His disciples.
Praying alone, many times daily brings me closer to God if but for just the few short minutes that may be found for time for prayer. The closeness of this fellowship with God continues to keep me until the next time I can pray.
Each morning I must lay in bed to pray because if my daughter hears me get up she will run into the room and then there will not be quiet time for most of the day.
Each evening I can send her off to her bed and then I can devote as much time as the Lord will accept. True prayer is a two way communication between the True Shepherd, God and His sheep. Each evening, the Lord touches me with his covering wing giving me warmth, strength, shelter and a renewed confidence of Salvation.
I have the privilege of hearing a newly professing (2 years or so) older woman pray and speak in Bible Study each week. She prays from her heart, even praying for by name the sick among the Friends. The Sister Workers did not seem to bat an eye this week when she prayed for an Elder who was suffering from health problems.
While praying I am apart from the world...
Peace in Him,
SBB
|
|
|
Post by selah on Sept 8, 2007 1:11:01 GMT -5
Prayer is most amazing when practised as a two-way communication. Listening prayer has revolutionized the way I determine God's direction for my life. Sometimes I hear Him through journalling; sometimes just silently impressing His thoughts into mine; sometimes very clearly (but not audibly..yet giving scripture references or definite statements or questions; sometimes He even speaks in pictures (not imaginary pictures, but visions in my mind's eye that I'm unable to conjure up)or in dreams. When we go to a Dr., we share with him our concerns and requests...but then we usually wait to hear what he has to say...what is his diagnosis...what is his perscription...his counsel? Sometimes when we go to God, we share our concerns and requests...but do we wait to hear what He has to say? What is His conclusion? What counsel does He have for us? What direction or instruction Has he for us? Listening prayer is a very real way to hear the voice of God. Blessings, Linda
|
|
|
Post by wanttobewithGod on Sept 8, 2007 1:31:05 GMT -5
very nice comments by all...thanks for sharing! Mich
|
|
|
Post by concerned on Sept 8, 2007 2:31:58 GMT -5
|
|
shushy
Royal Member
Warning
50%
Posts: 8,009
|
Post by shushy on Sept 8, 2007 8:07:33 GMT -5
I pray a lot while driving. I also sing to him while driving,. Prayer is powerful. Anwsered prayer is delightful.Just loving him with loving words ministers to him.
|
|
|
Post by wingsofaneagle on Sept 8, 2007 8:27:54 GMT -5
Shushy..... sometimes i think the people in the car next to me think im nuts coz im always singing at the top of my lungs! We have a great Christian radio station here in the Chicago area. The other day on my way home from grocery store, this song came on the radio... one of my favorites and I sang until I thought my heart would burst and couldnt see very well for the tears. Its moments like that that get me through the day. The cool thing is I hear my kids singing this song around the house! We have a vocalist who leads the singing at our church and he sounds just like Chris Tomlin. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ud0kaWLHEd4&mode=related&search=He also does an awesome rendition of "Indescribable". Here's Chris Tomlin's version of Indescribable: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PTvr755V8sIts so awesome to worship God in song!
|
|
|
Post by withopeneyes (Mandy) on Sept 8, 2007 9:24:56 GMT -5
Ha, I do that a lot too. Sometimes I do way too much talking and explaining- so I've taken to a different type of prayer before I actually BEGIN my prayer. I just, well, maybe it sounds nutty, but.. I send up my emotions. I pull all my fears, frustrations, praise and joy.. and just lift it up to him. I can't really explain it- but it's a time of quietness and focusing on God, and it really helps me to not ramble on and on when I pray.
But, I also don't think it's bad to ramble to God when we're feeling... ramble-ish. He does care about what we have to say, how we're feeling, and.. yes, he even cares about what we want- even if he doesn't give us exactly what we want all the time.
God knows what we need, what we want, what our fears are- just like I know, for the most part, what my children need/want/fear- but He still wants to hear from us. As in any relationship, communication is key. Sometimes, when I'm just having a bad day or a down day, I sit down (sometimes with some worship/praise music, sometimes in quiet) and just meditate on Him. Usually, by the end of it, I feel he's put a warming blanket over me.. cuddled me close. Sometimes I tell God, "I need to get something off my chest. I need to unload my burden,".... and I just talk it all out, usually in my head, not outloud.
That's one awesome character of God- He loves to hear from us... whatever condition we are in. But, we have to make sure we're not doing all the talking all the time!
|
|
|
Post by selah on Sept 8, 2007 12:30:28 GMT -5
Beautiful...beautiful...songs! I love these...and enjoy singing them in worship to God.
Blessings, Linda
|
|
|
Post by Keep Praying on Sept 8, 2007 15:16:07 GMT -5
I used to pray a lot but I came to the conclusion that God never paid any attention. I paid for the sick to get better, for there to be peace in the world, for an end to famine, for Jesus to come back. I paid for my grandmothers cancer to be cured and for my grandfather to get back the use of his faculties. I prayed for the world to become a better place and for war to cease. I used to pray for hours that there would be less suffering in the world and that there would be more love in the world. I even prayed that my next door neighbour would get a job and that my brother would get to know God. However none of these things happened so I stopped praying. It didn't seem to make a blind bit of difference whether I prayed or not. The conclusion I came to is that God doesn't actually listen to people's prayers but because people think that He does so it makes them feel better. It doesn't actually change anything though.
|
|
|
Post by selah on Sept 8, 2007 16:43:10 GMT -5
Maybe they haven't happened.....YET.
Some of the prayers I've prayed have taken almost 30 years to be answered. Everything is done in God's timing. His will is best, so I'm willing to wait as long as it takes.
Another thing to consider is that God's answers are not always YES. Sometimes they are NO and sometimes they are NOT YET.
Blessings, Linda
|
|
|
Post by IllinoisGal on Sept 8, 2007 17:11:58 GMT -5
I have really enjoyed reading this thread. My Pastor has been doing a series about prayer on Wed evenings.
Like some have said, I believe we do need to also listen and see what God speaks back to us in prayer.
Friendship isnt much fun if one of the friends does all the talking then says, well, Gotta go and doesnt stay to listen to you.
|
|
|
Post by nwj on Sept 8, 2007 17:14:23 GMT -5
Could someone explain what prayer actually does? Does us praying make God change His mind? Does the more people praying make a difference - ex. one person vs. a whole church or the whole internet? I think of the "Please pray for...." threads on different boards and think does God only heed the prayer if enough people are praying? I pray and believe in God. I just don't know if it makes any difference to what happens.
|
|
shushy
Royal Member
Warning
50%
Posts: 8,009
|
Post by shushy on Sept 8, 2007 18:04:26 GMT -5
Hey Wings....yes in peak hour traffic they must think Im bonkers with my mouth wide open..Lol. Then I look to the window to see if they can hear me, I just know they would crack up if they could.
There is nothing like my heart being lifted up to worship through the medium of music and song like this, as I listen to Chris sing I see the persons heart who wrote it..its when I worship that God gives revelation. The feeling of peace flooding my soul and a tangible sweet rest for my spirit. You get to a point in worship where your words seem insignificant because you cant find the purity that you sense, or the magesticness of his might and presence. I love my God so much more than anything or anyone. He deserves love.
Yes Illinoisgal, to wait and entwine our spirit around the holy spirit to hear what he is saying takes time, patience. It is worth it, every moment.
Could someone explain what prayer actually does? Does us praying make God change His mind? Does the more people praying make a difference - ex. one person vs. a whole church or the whole internet? I think of the "Please pray for...." threads on different boards and think does God only heed the prayer if enough people are praying? I pray and believe in God. I just don't know if it makes any difference to what happens.
My relationship with Christ is like a friend, he hears all my complaints my joys my concerns and my crys for help. I talk to him like he is next to me because he is.
Prayer knocks on heavens door, our Father does hear us even when we think he isnt listening. Prayer can change His mind. Look at the story of the wicked city and God asked if 10 men prayed he would save the city and how the negotiation happened down to one faithful praying man. Yes there is tremendous power in agreement of more than one person praying. Prayer is a huge subject. Some things like prayer for cities takes a specific anointing to bring change. Some people have an anointing to pray for the sick. One of my pastors when ever he prayed for bad backs people were healed. Each christian has spiritual authority in Christ Jesus. We do not need to beg God. Some type of prayer require us to take authority over the situation as if we already had dominion over it and that canbring change. I think the most important thing in prayer is to thank and praise God first. Dont just ask..altho there have been many times in my wretched life where my prayers have been pathetic bleets for help. He has always been faithful to me. Doesnt answer all my prayers but most. With prayer there are two things to remember, his perfect will for our lives or his submissive will. ie: You do not pray for the demise of your motherinlaw no matter how much she gets under your skin. That would be a manipulative prayer and against his principles.
|
|
|
Post by Question on Sept 8, 2007 18:49:44 GMT -5
If you do not have to explain to God because he knows all why do you have to pray since he also knows what you are going to pray about.
Is the prayer for god or for you?
|
|
shushy
Royal Member
Warning
50%
Posts: 8,009
|
Post by shushy on Sept 8, 2007 18:54:31 GMT -5
Its about relationship. Yes, he knows all and he knows our thoughts before we think them. Prayer is petioning God, interceding for ours and others needs. When Adam and Eve walked with him in the cool of the day it was as friends, communing together. He desires worship from us. It is his highest priority towards him. He tells us to 'ask, knock, seek and find.'
|
|
|
Post by wanttobewithGod on Sept 8, 2007 19:03:30 GMT -5
I agree with that, Shushy. Also, it's not only to pray FOR things but to thank God for what we do have...just as important, imo. M.
|
|
|
Post by ranman77007 on Sept 9, 2007 4:29:39 GMT -5
i just wanted to be on this thread... thats all..
|
|
|
Post by ranman77007 on Sept 9, 2007 4:31:04 GMT -5
i just wanted to be on this thread... thats all.. i have no idea why, but two real tears just rolled down my cheek...
|
|
|
Post by ranman77007 on Sept 9, 2007 4:31:42 GMT -5
three..
|
|