Thursday, September 16, 2010

God would never say, “Don’t bother me”

Luke 11:1 - 28

Have you ever felt like no one was listening to you? You talk, especially when you feel you have an important point, it seems as if nothing is getting through? I have felt that way about prayer. Either my prayers aren’t getting above the ceiling or there is some kind of shield between me and God and he just doesn’t want to hear, he doesn’t want to be bothered. When I feel that way I go back to Psalm 139 and remind myself of God’s love and promise to always be looking after me.

The disciples wanted to know how to get through the shielded ceiling, through prayer. Jesus gave them an outline that we call the Lord’s Prayer. I believe it should be called the disciples prayer, Jesus was teaching the disciples how to pray. I believe the Lord’s Prayer is found in John 17. Check it out if you have some time today. Jesus gave them a simple formula to establish the right attitude in prayer. Start by recognizing who God is, thanking Him, and asking Him to be in control. Staring with that attitude, you are in a position to ask for what you need in all aspects. You are also in a position to receive forgiveness as we are reminded to forgive others. So we don’t wind up in trouble, feel free to ask for the guidance and protection you need to keep you on the straight path.

This type of prayer is all well and good but sometimes when we do them, we don’t get the answers we are looking for. We get the feeling that God is saying, “Don’t bother me”. Jesus went on to say (in the Tim Burgan translation), “If you need something and your neighbor can help, won’t you keep bothering him until he does?” “Expect the same from God!” “Don’t give up until you get an answer!”

The words Jesus uses in the passage for “ask”, “seek” and “knock” are all meant to be interpreted in English as; ask and keep asking, seek and keep seeking, knock and keep knocking until you get an answer. Don’t give up God doesn’t mind and really is never bothered!

Our praying is part of our relationship building. It shows our trust or lack of trust in God. It keeps us focused on who is in charge and humble at the same time. God will answer our prayers; sometimes immediately and sometimes it takes a while but it is all about trust. He is your loving friend and Father. He will not jerk you around. He loves to be with you. It is never a bother for you to talk with Him!

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