I grew up in the church. I accepted the Lord when I was 5 years old. My parents were the "we are in church whenever the doors are open" type of Christ-followers. In fact, because my dad was the church janitor, we were usually there even when the doors were locked as well. But it wasn't until my junior year in college at Liberty University that I was taught how to pray.
I was one of the Resident Assistants in the football dorm and my supervisor was a wonderful and godly man by the name of Harry Walls. Harry began to disciple me and one of the first things we dealt with was prayer. Harry had me write down all my prayer requests for one week. I was set on impressing Harry so I prayed about everything I could think of that week and proudly took my long list to him when it was time for us to meet. Harry took my list and a pencil and he started going down the list. But to my astonishment, as he went down the list he kept scratching each of my requests off going, "No! No! No!"
When I asked him why he scratched off most every one of my prayer requests he answered, "Because they aren't specific enough. How will you know when God answers them if you cant measure them?"
So from that point on I have always tried to pray specifically. In other words, don't just pray, "God bless the missionaries." How will you know if He does? Instead pray, "God, please allow the Johnson's in Peru to win someone to Christ this week" or "God, please allow the Millers in Argentina to get increased support this week." You see, when you pray specifically you can see God's answers and it really does build your faith.
Philippians 4:6-7 tells us to be anxious about nothing but in everything by "prayer" and "supplication" with thanksgiving to make our requests known to God. the word "prayer" is a general word but the word "supplication" is more specific.
Just yesterday God answered a major specific request that Laura and I had been praying for and boy was it exciting to see happen. And once again, our faith was strengthened. So what are you praying for...specifically?
I was one of the Resident Assistants in the football dorm and my supervisor was a wonderful and godly man by the name of Harry Walls. Harry began to disciple me and one of the first things we dealt with was prayer. Harry had me write down all my prayer requests for one week. I was set on impressing Harry so I prayed about everything I could think of that week and proudly took my long list to him when it was time for us to meet. Harry took my list and a pencil and he started going down the list. But to my astonishment, as he went down the list he kept scratching each of my requests off going, "No! No! No!"
When I asked him why he scratched off most every one of my prayer requests he answered, "Because they aren't specific enough. How will you know when God answers them if you cant measure them?"
So from that point on I have always tried to pray specifically. In other words, don't just pray, "God bless the missionaries." How will you know if He does? Instead pray, "God, please allow the Johnson's in Peru to win someone to Christ this week" or "God, please allow the Millers in Argentina to get increased support this week." You see, when you pray specifically you can see God's answers and it really does build your faith.
Philippians 4:6-7 tells us to be anxious about nothing but in everything by "prayer" and "supplication" with thanksgiving to make our requests known to God. the word "prayer" is a general word but the word "supplication" is more specific.
Just yesterday God answered a major specific request that Laura and I had been praying for and boy was it exciting to see happen. And once again, our faith was strengthened. So what are you praying for...specifically?
Be sure to also read my other blog at www.hurtingpastor.blogspot.com or email me at skdistler@gmail.com
And boy is it exciting to pray specific prayers alongside people you love and watch God working every step of the way in answering those prayers!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Amy! Laura and I both sure appreciate you!
ReplyDeleteI always remember you teaching this. To this day two things I remember from you are to pray specifically and if God is your partner make your plans big.
ReplyDeleteYou've blessed me today with your comment, Larry! Please give my best to all of your family (both sides!)! Have a great 2011!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great reminder for me! I distinctly remember you preaching on this. It meant so much to me that morning and carried me through some tough months that followed.
ReplyDeleteThanks again for the reminder! You are continuing to challenge me through this blog.
Thank you, Anonymous. I sure appreciate the encouragement. Blessings
ReplyDelete