hayo,
this has been one of those ongoing question for me, how exactly does our prayers stack up against the sovereignty of God?
One the one hand, we have exodus 32 where Moses apparently convinces God to not destroy the israelite nation, and jesus himself tells us "ask and it shall be given to you...for everyone who asks receives..." On the other hand the sovereignty of God, namely His in-control-ness over everything that happens, is a recurring theme throughout scripture as well.
so what's the deal? is the all knowing and all powerful God in absolute control or can He be swayed by the flimsy will and prayers of humanity? If he has already decided South Africa will win the world cup, why is each team represented by hordes of praying fans? Ultimately, If he already knows the final results of all our prayer requests, is there any point for us to persist in prayer - to plead for what is already decided? (short answer: Yes)
matt chandler handles this question like this, while God has absolute authority and control over who comes to Him, preaching is a means of accomplishing this divinely appointed will.
"how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? and how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" (Rom 10:14) Sermons, godly lives, and fellowships thus become instruments in carrying out the will of God in people's salvation and therefore such things MATTERS. Prayer works on the same level, it becomes - in ways i can't understand - instrumental in carrying out God's will and therefore MATTERS.
the correct attitude in prayer should be like that of Jesus in gethsemane, where he earnestly plead with God to take the burden of hte cross from him (knowing full well that the cross must happen) yet submitted to God by saying "not my will but Yours be done." There is a very human, and honest admission of fear and wants in perfect sync with humility and obedience - this is what i think we're supposed to strive for in prayer.
When we pray the words "not my will but Yours be done" do not say it as a fail-safe - as if you need to protect God's existence from unanswered prayers, do it as an acknowledgement of His sovereignty over your life. Praying like this helps us avoid making the objects of our prayers idols in our lives and serves the dual purpose of worship and sanctification.
Encouragement for the week: pray. To actively, honestly, wholeheartedly, and humbly pray concerning the fears, wants, needs and praises in your life.
Have a happy wednesday!
Edward
"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." - Proverbs 16:9
"Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him...and the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well..." - James 5:13-15
"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." - Luke 22:42
In keeping w/ the dancing baby trend...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aswr40bLaE&feature=related
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