:004 Tipping the Scales In Prayer

How do we see answers when we pray? Is there something missing when we don’t see results? There is one concept that tips the scales between someone having a prayer answered or not answered. The balance proves true, no matter the size of degree off-center it is. If it is too heavy on one side or the other, nothing gets accomplished. It is not something most people regard as important but simply put, it is. What is it? (To catch up and read the first posts in this series, click through the links at the bottom. They will each open in a new window.)

Wants and needs are two powerful motivators. They change lives, politics, relationships and the endings to almost every happy story. In prayer, they have to balance equally. If they are not, our prayers fall limp and ineffective. Here is a silly scenario one could be faced with.

Let’s pretend that you really need to get a job. Any job will do. You’re so poor, you don’t have enough money to buy fish food! It’s getting bad. But…you don’t want to leave the house every day. You’d rather watch your goldfish, Fluffy, swim around in his bowl instead. Are you going to be motivated to change your behavior and go get a job?

Okay, let’s use something a little more realistic. I know my son needs discipline. His whole life and future hinge on my follow-through as a parent. That’s drastic…but it is important for him to see a strong set of values. He needs me to show him how not to put up with being bullied.  (Yes, I’ve known plenty of two-year-old bullies in my day.) This is a need. I know it. But I do not want to get off the couch and give him a time out for his defiance or wrong behavior. I want to sit here watching my favorite Seinfeld rerun. Hmmm…. Is he going to get away with what he’s doing? Yep.

How about God? He sees you praying for your needs. The tears in your eyes cause Him pain. But you don’t want to take the specific guidance He gave, because you thought it was silly, beneath you, or too simple. Ooor maybe He asked you to forgive someone and give up a grudge. That’s hard on the ego, right. Hey, don’t worry, pride is calorie free. (No egos were harmed in the writing of this blog.)

“Happy [is] the man [that] findeth wisdom, and the man [that] getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it [is] better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.” Proverbs 3:13-14

How about asking God what you need? Then:

“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalms 37:4

If the greatest commandment is to love God and then we love Him by doing His commandments. Praying for what He asks us to pray for in our lives is the next logical step. What is available God? How do I receive it? What do I do when I’ve got it? Are you as excited to try this as I am? Having your needs and wants balanced equally will transform your prayer requests to astounding results.

God Bless You Today!

To read the other posts in this series click below.

:001 The Power of Prayer

:002 How Can I get a Miracle?

:003 Procedure is No Laughing Matter

:005 The Final Blow to the Devil

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