Pray In Faith

https://youtu.be/GE6MMJFYy0Y?si=htjQVO8V0N7YOXj5

Stop Thinking Small About GOD!

Most people in the world do not know or understand Who and What GOD is and therefore have no consideration of What He Wills and Does.

Every human at some point in their life prays - most do not know to whom or what they are praying. Sometimes they are sending “good thoughts” to others, sometimes people send evil thoughts against others. Sometimes people pray to what they believe or hope is a god that can help them. Sometimes in desperation people call out to the True and Living GOD, JEHOVAH, or His Son JESUS. All of these are people who do not know GOD.

Many Christians also do not know or understand Who and What GOD is and therefore have no consideration of What He Wills or Does.

Many Christians pray in “faith”, hoping that GOD will hear and answer them. He does, but not always the way we think and expect; or in the timeframe we desire. Many Christians practice a type of prayer that is always asking GOD for something for themself or family and friends.

Most people in the world and many Christians do not understand the Will and Purpose of GOD. They do not understand the Authority and Power of GOD. They do not understand the Grace and Mercy of GOD. They do not understand the Omniscience, Omnipotence nor Omnipresence of GOD.

GOD hears, sees and remembers everything! GOD created everything that you see, hear, touch, smell and taste! GOD is everywhere always!  GOD is Life, Light and Love; GOD is Truth!

So when you pray you should follow JESUS’ example and teaching: not only did He teach that when we pray we should do it in private, except for public prayer gatherings, which He did. Several times The Scriptures tell us that JESUS went off alone to pray. But He also prayed during The Last Supper for the disciples and the future believers. Then He prayed about His impending death for the human race within eyesight and earshot of the disciples. Times of being alone with His Father are not recorded; and times of praying in public we have in The Scriptures.

Like most Christians I have a long list of things that I pray about and for: I pray for The Church and GOD’s Mercy as His Judgment is upon us for our many sins. I pray about the war in Israel and the continued persecution of Israel because they are favored by GOD. I pray for family and friends - salvation, healing, provision, etc. I pray about the political situation in America because it has become so corrupt at every level. And I have many more things and people I pray for and about. Sometimes I pray in great detail and sometimes I pray short in a hurry prayers.

So what does all this have to do with the title of this message, “Stop Thinking Small About GOD!”?

Our prayers are a reflection of how we think about GOD: like a sugar daddy always there to give us what we want, or more like a fulfiller of dreams and promises. We should see GOD as the One Who is in control (LORD) of our life and Whose Will we must be fulfilling.

We should go to GOD first to be in His Presence, remember JESUS told us “...to seek first The Kingdom of GOD and His Righteousness.” When JESUS went on His private prayer times He came back refreshed, even after being up all night. There are two good examples of this:

The first is when JESUS had been ministering all day both in public and then at Peter’s house. (Matthew 5:1-8:17; Mark 1:14-45; Luke 4:14-44) After the crowds had finally left and everyone else went to bed, JESUS went off to be with His Father in private. In the morning they did not know where JESUS was and went looking for Him. When they found Him and asked Him what He had been doing, He said let us go to other villages to share the Gospel. So He had been up the day before traveling and ministering into the night, then He went off alone to pray. In the morning when they found JESUS He said let’s go and they traveled and ministered all day.

The second is after He had taught all day and then they fed over 5000 people (Matthew 14:13-36; Mark 6:30-56). After feeding the people He sent the disciples on ahead by boat and He stayed behind to dismiss the crowd and be alone with His Father. Then in the middle of the night He walked across the sea and got into the boat, when they landed He continued to minister that day.

If you really want GOD to answer your prayers, first get in His Presence, spend time worshiping Him and thanking Him, then ask Him to reveal Himself to You and give you understanding of His Presence in you and what He has Called you to do. Then bring your petitions to Him. Remember JESUS told us He already knows what we need and it may not be what we want. That is why we have to get to know GOD and His Will and Purpose.