Week #19 Devotional is based upon Matthew 6:8 "Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him." ( Please read the devotional). After reading this verse I wonder how much time is spent in prayer, informing God of things on Earth, things of which He is much more informed about than we are. It seems that we think we have information that He is not aware of. But as we do so, it appears that God has untold patience and never says things like I have heard from others; "tell me something I don't know". Our Lord merely listens to our description of what we think we know. Our Lord not only knows every word shared in a conversation, but also knows every thought! He knows the motive behind what we say and the point of origin of our thoughts. (Now that can be a scary thought.) In a conversation with Pastor Grinder one day sharing concerns for our responses to others He said; "I am striving to think public thoughts". Now there is a challenge to live by!
When thoughts begin to run in a loop in our mind, about what "he or she said", ask the Lord for help in thoughts that are uplifting to you and ask for a response that is fitting to His purpose. 1 Peter 3:17 infers that; "It is better , if is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." Prayer can be a great opportunity for God to bring us to maturity as we seek Him in relationship. There is power in prayer! God will use His transforming power to help us most, as we pray for others. May we be a good student listener as we pray.