It’s amazing how many times in the Bible,
Jesus asks someone,
“What would you like me to do for you?”
A simple question
that reminds us how much He loves us
AND how much he desires to help us
with whatever it is that is troubling us!
It’s not like Jesus is Santa Claus
or some kind of benevolent grandmother
who wants to shower us with gifts and presents.
But it is true that we are encouraged to
“be anxious for nothing, but in everything…
let your requests be known to God.”
Philippians 4:6
Still not convinced?
Let me try this again:
“Cast all your anxiety on him
because he cares for you.”
1st Peter 5:7
So… it’s as simple as this:
we can be anxious,
…or we can pray!
(If it really is this easy,
then why do I so often forget to pray?
Confession Time:
it is easier to write this
than to do this!)
I continue to draw strength and encouragement
from Max Lucado’s book,
Anxious For Nothing.
At one point, Max talks about how the Bible
invites us to make our prayer(s)
specifically known to God.
Max suggests…
A specific prayer is a serious prayer!
A specific prayer is an opportunity to see God at work!
A specific prayer creates a lighter load!
Again, I am not suggesting
that we can put a dime in the slot
and pull the handle
and get whatever we want from God.
Of course, it doesn’t work like that.
He is not going to be manipulated
by our magic words.
However, when we have thought through our anxiety
enough to name our demons
and clarify our request(s),
we have made ourselves open
and receptive
to the rescuing work of God.
Next time you are reading the Bible
for your devotions,
keep an eye out for how specific
and detailed some of the prayers are.
Watching God respond to the prayers of others
will encourage us to boldly go before the throne
with our own prayers and petitions.
I invite you to use this form to share your prayer request with me.
