Confident Prayer

[Walter and Deborah]

Thursday 7-15-21 AV 4th., 5781 5th. day of the weekly cycle, 25th. Summer Day

Confident Prayer

Psalms 13–15

Acts 19:21–41

Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?

Luke 11:11

Today's Scripture & Insight:
Having tried for years to have a child, Richard and Susan were elated when Susan became pregnant. Her health problems, however, posed a risk to the baby, and so Richard lay awake each night praying for his wife and child. One night, Richard sensed he didn’t need to pray so hard, that God had promised to take care of things. But a week later Susan miscarried. Richard was devastated. He wondered, Had they lost the baby because he hadn’t prayed hard enough?

On first reading, we might think today’s parable suggests so. In the story, a neighbor (sometimes thought to represent God) only gets out of bed to help the friend because of the friend’s annoying persistence (Luke 11:5–8). Read this way, the parable suggests that God will give us what we need only if we badger Him. And if we don’t pray hard enough, maybe God won’t help us.

But biblical commentators like Klyne Snodgrass believe this misunderstands the parable—its real point being that if neighbors might help us for selfish reasons, how much more will our unselfish Father. We can therefore ask confidently (vv. 9–10), knowing that God is greater than flawed human beings (vv. 11–13). He isn’t the neighbor in the parable, but the opposite of him.

“I don’t know why you lost your baby,” I told Richard, “but I know it wasn’t because you didn’t pray ‘hard’ enough. God isn’t like that.”

By: Sheridan Voysey

Love always, Walter and Debbie

[Logostician]

Thank you for pointing out the unselfish, totally giving nature of God.

Luk 12:32

Fear not little flock, for it is your father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

[Willa]

Pray the promises.  God doesn't lie.

[TheBlade]

Didnt pray hard enough.. thats tough one. Amen to God had nothing to do with it. When Daniel prayed God heard him the moment he prayed and we know God hears us and has already answered before we finish.. we just as man tend to run with the negative not the positive. There are strong holds and principalities for even Gab had to call on Michael to help.  "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.". There are so many times a simple prayer is not enough. Satan will not move until he knows that you KNOW and BELIEVE what you say. Just that and then not knowing Gods will (His word).. can be very hard. 

This is why in His word we are to be praying 24/7 and praying about everything.... there is reason for that. Most I think don't so when something GOD FOR BID awful happens they are not prayed up weak in faith and.. praise GOD. Satan comes to kill steal and destroy NOT God. Praise God for your post.. thanks.. this is just how I believe...not here to offend.