Sunday Words of Encouragement August 5, 2012

Sometimes I have to change my plans because of God's direction. :-) I had started a post (in my head) for today. But our guest pastor today gave such an awesome message that I am sharing from that instead. He is a missionary from South Africa and very enthusiastic. The message was called The Power of Prayer.  It is certainly not a new topic but he presented a great view.

We pray as the Lord taught in Matthew 6:9, but we should focus on two phrases before we go into a "gimme" list.

1.  "Our Father"...  You are a child and He is your father. It's all about relationship!
When you start to pray do you ever think "I am not important; others have know and served God longer, I am not worthy?" But which child in a healthy household gets the most attention? The eldest or the baby? If a child calls "Daddy" does the dad stop and say, "Wait. You are child number three. I have to see if number one or two child needs anything before you." No... as a member of the household each child has all the rights, benefits and privileges of that household. If you are a child of God, you are a member of His family; He knows you personally, by name.  You are entitled to all the rights, benefits and blessings of His Kingdom and He wants to pour them out on you.

2.  "Hallowed by thy name" ... Stop here and think about who He is!  Think 'my Dad's bigger and better than yours' attitude! He is the creator, master, healer, provider, comforter and so much more. Acknowledge who He is. Focus on His greatness; give Him praise and thanks. All your problems will seem insignificant as you acknowledge who He is and realize that nothing is impossible for Him.  He will work all things together for good for His children.

If you spend time on these two aspects of prayer you will see that you really don't have to give God a list of your needs and desires.  He already knows them!

Thank you, Pastor Stephan for a great message!

 This wasn't the first song I had in mind

but I was led to this one which fits so well!

I Stand in Awe by Hillsong

Verse for Today:

Matthew 6:9

New International Version (NIV)

⁹ “This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

Thank you, my Father, that I am redeemed through the sacrifice of your son, Jesus, and adopted into your family by my acceptance of Christ as my savior.