I have been reading about prayer for some time. I ran across a quote that speaks to my heart, “Sometimes we think prayer is a way to get what we want. Prayer is actually a way to get closer to God.” {Oswald Chambers}
The Best Way to Pray
Several years ago, I was on a prayer chain at the church we were in. We would receive some requests that were quite serious. Sometimes my response was “How can we pray for that need?” The lady on the other end of the phone always said, “The Lord’s will.”
I have thought about her response many times since and have realized two things. First, that’s what God wants us to do. Jesus prayed at Gethsemane that God’s will be done rather than His. {If it is possible, let this cup pass from Me, not as I will but as You. Matthew 26:39 {NKJV}} Secondly, when we pray for God’s will over ours, we allow God to display His power and His might for all to see.
Seeing God at Work
In our church, we have seen God at work. January 29,2024, a call went out from the church office that our pastor was taken to the ER by his wife and was admitted to ICU. We found out later that week that he had suffered a stoke. It has been a year of prayer and trusting the Lord for his family and for our church.
On the third Sunday of January 2025, the pastor’s wife spoke. Pastor Rick has chosen to retire. This did not surprise me or those that I have talked to about it. Due to the weather forecast for our region and a few reasons of our health, I chose to stay home. One thing I heard that Pastor’s wife said was that she had been told that medically speaking, our pastor should not be alive. She decided that He was still with us due to prayer.
At present, Pastor Rick is in a hospital in a neighboring city. He has has one set back after another. Please pray for them and for our church as we begin to search for a new pastor.
OH Cecelia, continuing to pray for your pastor and his wife and your church. I know this is a time of testing and learning to lean on God more and more. May God bring strength to your Pastor and wisdom to your church as you seek His will in this matter. He will lead you as you seek His face.
ReplyDeletePam: Pastor Rick was admitted to our local hospital and then transferred to the hospital where he went last year for more acute rehab. He has had a rough go of it while there. He just got to rehab department after TWO stays in ICU. Yes, we are being tested. Be blessed.
DeleteNow, that's good news for Pastor Rick and his wife! May he continue to serve the Lord in his retirement, and may we ever be mindful of the power of prayer. Blessings, Cecelia!
ReplyDeleteMartha Jane: Thank you for your thoughts. Pastor Rick is not 'out of the woods, yet." Got transferred to thGot ye hospital in a town near us for additional acute rehab. Had complications arise. Got to the rehab department after two or three weeks of complications. Be blessed.
DeleteThanks Cecelia for your thoughts on prayer, the Lord's will... we can't go wrong with that although it is often not what we might expect or wish for. I pray your pastor and his wife will have peace, whatever the outcome. And your church will enter a new season, may it be a spring season of blossoming.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Marja, for your thoughtful comments. I have been dealing with a sinus infection and congestion for about two weeks now. I am feeling somewhat better. Happy Valentine's Day. Be blessed.
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