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| gethsemaneeclc.org |
if My people who are called by My name
will humble themselves, and pray
and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways,
then I will hear from heaven,
and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV)
When we pray to God, do we ask Him to approve our plans or do we ask Him to guide us in the way He wants us to go?
According to what I read in the above scripture:
1.) We must humble ourselves. Admit that we are imperfect, and we do not know it all.
2.) We must pray to Him, seeking <I>His</I> guidance.
3.) We must spend quantity time talking to God. We are not to make it a practice of praying “on the run”. We are not supposed to have an attitude of “catch You later, God.”
4.) We must repent (turn away) from our sinful, evil ways.
5.) God tells us if we take these steps, He will (a) hear from heaven, (b) forgive our sins, and (c)
heal our land.
The above thoughts have become more real to me recently. I find that these thoughts and this question confront me when I have an issue with a topic or an issue that is close to my heart.
Your first questions nails it Cecelia: 'When we pray to God, do we ask Him to approve our plans or do we ask Him to guide us in the way He wants us to go?' Great post, thank you!
ReplyDeleteMarja: Thank you for your thoughts. We are dealing with some issues at church, and this came to my mind. Peace and blessings to you and yours.
DeleteSuch a perfect scripture for the times we are facing in this country, Cecelia. May God's will be done. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteMartha Jane: Thank you for your insight. Here in Indiana there is a trial going on that upsets my husband. There were two young girls killed over seven years ago. It took the authorities quite a while to catch the man who they believe did it. The girls were teenagers and best friends. Their bodies were found on Valentine's Day. The whole area was in shock. Please pray for these families. The girls' names are Libby and Abby.
DeleteWhat a wonderful and timely topic, Cecelia! I've long thought that prayer is one of the biggest ways we can build a relationship with God. Of course, as you mentioned, it's purpose extends to so many other things as well. Thank you for highlighting this today. I needed the reminder. :)
ReplyDeleteKaren: Thank you for your insightful comment. So nice to hear from you. Peace and blessings to you and yours.
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