SCRIPTURE: 1Peter (NIV) 4:7 The end of all things is near. Therefore, be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.
OBSERVATION: Here in the New International Version, and in 5 other translations (NAS, NLT, NRSV, RSV, and WEY) we see clear-mindedness and self-control affecting our prayers. It is probably not something we think about too often, but maybe we should consider how God hears our prayers.
We complain about visiting with people who ramble and seem to endlessly repeat themselves. We would rather visit someone who does not always cover the same material, with most of it coming from the past. Could it be that God feels the same way about our prayers? Think about it!
APPLICATION: I wonder if God does not listen to my prayers and say something like, “It would be good for Leon to stop rambling.” “If Leon would cut out all the repetition and just think about what he is saying I might be able to identify a prayer I can answer.”
Or He might say, “I am going to answer that prayer, but Leon will not recognize the answer because he did not put much thought into the request. He will not recognize the answer when it hits him in the face.” (Sometimes it is good for me to write out my prayer because it forces me to write in legible and understandable sentences.)
OF course, feelings (joy, sorrow, excitement, desperation, love, appreciation, etc.) are a part of praying and many times feelings are expressed in how we pray and not just the words we pray. After all, we are talking to our Heavenly Father!
PRAYER: Lord, remind me to be clear-minded and self-controlled in my prayers. May you be blessed hearing me pray! Amen.
Pastor Leon
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