One of the things I really appreciate about our corporate worship time is the time we speak about prayer concerns. If facilitated well, those sharing won't preach or see this opportunity as a time for "open mic". However, we've had our challenges.
For those of you who are unaware, we take 5-10 minutes during worship to mention any new requests and then pray about those things. Prayer is not just talked about. We actually do it. I've had those visiting tell me that was something that really "stood out" for them.
After facilitating the time for several weeks, I was convicted stronger and stronger each day about the time becoming a laundry list of wants, needs, and desires. I've attempted to refocus our attention on how blessed we are. I begin with the question, "How has God blessed you this morning? This week?"
It seems when we focus our attention on how God has blessed, the needs, wants, and desires are not as numerous. God has blessed us in so many ways! So what about it? Are you more concerned with your wants, needs, and desires? Or do you recognize God's gracious hand upon your life?
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Our church does the same thing and I must admit that the requests are all serious. Severe health issues, for families who recently lost a loved one, needed employment (big here in Michigan), etc.
I like your thought here. What blessings? We should think in terms of those, and maybe for some of us it's a retraining of ourselves. Like the psalmist said: "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits."
I didn't mean to imply that the requests people make were serious. Oops! But I think there are personality types that need to say something. In other words, during that 5-10 min, we want to hear about the things people are struggling with. But Hurricane Ike is a much bigger challenge in my mind than Sister Mabel's ingrown toenail (after Mabel has mentioned every prayer request on her list for the last 6 weeks). I apologize for the confusion.
Yeah...a retraining of the mind. That's a good way to put recognizing God's blessings. Thanks!
Mike
"were" should read "weren't"...too early...need coffee...
We've had this discussion and I think that you know how I feel. But
let me restate, I almost always pray about the blessings I receive...even the problems seem to become blessings. Someone once scolded me about whining, Shae, and I though a lot about it. I am truley blessed every day. I have come to understand that constant complaining is like being an Isrealite it causes you to question God. Constant prayer is not about you it is about HIM! Quit asking.. and praise Him for all He provides, thank Him for the Great gift, for the work you have, for the time you don't feel bad. The bounty is far more than you might imagine, your focus begins to be on Him and not on your self. You become less self centered the result is a happier you and more Praise for Him.
So says Mike #1 Boomer Sooner!
Hey Dude!
- Good to hear from you. I think you're right here. Too often, we think of prayer as a "laundry list." We're too quick to speak and slow to listen.
It seems when we recognize God's blessings, things run smoother.
Blessings!
Mike
Totally someone who focuses on the blessings. I was lost and now I'm found - Thank You Father!
Amen Cheryl! You say it well.
Mike
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