Recently, I was asked to pray for someone I know. This happens often. I'm a Christian and it's no secret that I am very involved in my church. So, people ask,"Will you please pray for so and so?". Sometimes I don't know who this person is but, I'm fine with that. It's just that sometimes, I don't think they know what they are trully asking.
I want to make this clear to folks who reserve prayer for the dire situations. God is not a genie in a lamp. God desires a relationship with us and prayer is how we are to build that relationship. Just like you would with an earthly friend, you need to have communication. What kind of friend would a person be if they only came to you when they had a serious problem? Then said,"Thanks. See ya!" Off they go until the next catastrophy. Not much of a friend are they?
God would appreciate it if we talked to Him all the time. Yeah, really! Even when times are good. That's when we can thank Him and praise Him for all that He has done for us. That would also be the times when He blesses us more. To abide in Him is for Him to delight in us. Weird, huh?
But, there is a catch. There is always a catch, right? Jesus says that the only way to God is thru Him. What's that mean? Let's say I know someone who works with Bill Gates. His personal assistant. Well, I can't just call Bill and shoot the breeze with him. But, by knowing his P.A., I have an "in". Same thing with Jesus.
By dying on the cross for us. Taking all the burden of sin to Himself, He has relieved us of any dirt in our lives. He has opened the door to His Fathers house and put out the welcome mat, sorta speak. You don't want to enter God's house with dirty feet, do you? Of course not.
So, how to get to be Jesus' friend? Well, you send ALL of your money to P.O. Box....NO, NO, NO! I'm kidding! all you need to do is ask, believe and confess.
-Ask that Jesus will forgive you for 1) waiting so long to come to Him 2)for the sins you have been storing up all this time and 3)thinking you could do this on your own.
-Believe that He DID die for you, was raised up from the grave 3 days later .
and lastly
- Confess with your mouth that Jesus is now in your life. Tell somebody that you are now trusting Him with your life!
That's it. No mumbo-jumbo. No spin in circles 3 times. No mailing of money or giving away pamphlets door to door. Just be sincere.
"Jesus, I'm sorry I've waited so long. Please come into my life and forgive me for the things that aren't right with You. I want to be your friend and I need You to help me get control of my life. Amen"
If you can pray that and mean it, well, welcome to the family. It now trully means something to say,"Will you pray for..."
Get well, Thomas! I AM praying for you!
