NEED A LITTLE HELP?

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I have observed children who declare their independence by saying "I want to do it by myself," and are not willing to have their parents to help them. Most of the time frustration sets in and they reluctantly allow mom or dad to give them assistance.

This attitude doesn't change much as we grow up. Some of us still do not want to have to depend on someone else for our needs. Independence is a good thing and it is at the core of a strong character.

What I have just described is the mind set of many but there are others who want someone else to do everything for them and are highly indignant when they don't get what they want.

Then of course there is another group which lies in between the two. Getting older tempers attitudes somewhat, and grudgingly we have to give in and ask for help from time to time. Due to the stresses of life we all may find ourselves in one or more of these positions sooner or later.

The reason I mention this is because these attitudes affect our Christian walk. Especially in our prayer life.

The same inclinations are present when we pray. Fortunately GOD has made provision for all these groups; there are times when we can go before GOD on our own and receive the help we need.

Psalms 50:15 And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee.

Bigger problems may require more help. What is commonly called "prayer partners" should be a mainstay for everyone. Someone with whom you have simpatico, and a broad comfort zone.

Matthew 18:19-20 Jesus told His disciples that "if two of you agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them."

While there are two, they pray as one, then there are times when the whole church needs to pray together, pressing issues that involve our life, both inside and outside the congregation. The common denominator in each case is the expectation that prayer changes both people and things.

In prayer you can't get any farther than your power to agree whether praying by yourself or with others. Even when you pray by yourself you may find you are of two opinions, faith and unbelief in the same prayer. Multiply this by the number of people praying and you can see a difficulty that must be overcome.

Perhaps this is the reason Jesus did most of his praying alone. Prayer is like being in a canoe, either grab a paddle and row or get out of the boat. While praying, our daily needs stand out, prayer for yourself, family, and church.

Then there are all the facets of the world's need or as prompted by the Spirit of GOD. Or develop your own system for praying.

The one thing that is expected, is for you to pray. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQE98DDO6e0

This post is linked with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday
Also linked with Jennifer at: God-Bumps and God-Incidences