I have struggled the last couple of days about today's devotion topic. I had become frustrated, not having anything stand out as appropriate. I don't want to post what God doesn't direct me to post.
I opened up a devotional in my email this AM and realized why I had been drawing a blank for the past couple of days. God already knew what needed to be posted here, and he had prepared it through someone else. I hope this devotion blesses whoever reads it.
June 15, 2011
Two Views on Prayer
By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.
When we miss God's purpose in prayer, we miss God's best. It is important to know that the purpose of prayer is for God to be glorified.
God is the focus of prayer because through prayer He reveals His goodness and power. Jesus said, "I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father" (John 14:13). Indeed, prayer is for God's glory--not just for our needs. However, when God meets our needs, He is glorified.
There are some who see prayer simply as lining up with what God has already foreordained, and there is nothing we can do other than conform to His will. On the other hand, there are those who think that prayer is asking God to do what He would not and could not do without our requests.
The Scripture teaches both views--and we are under obligation before God to hold both views in tension. The Bible teaches that God is, without a doubt, sovereign. The Bible also teaches that God, within His sovereignty, responds to His people when they pray with a right focus.
There are people who are terrified of asking God for anything. This is not consistent with His will. On the other hand, there are some who treat God like a bellhop who moves only at their command. Both are extreme, and both are wrong.
When children are young--and even sometimes when they are older--they ask for all kinds of things. Do we give them everything they want? Of course we don't. We give them what we believe is best for them. If we, as fallen men and women, know how to give good gifts to our children, how much more does our heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him (see Matthew 7:11)?
Prayer: Father, thank You that while You are sovereign, You still want to hear from Your children and You glorify Yourself as You meet our needs. Amen.
"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer" (Matthew 21:22).
