Challenge of Trust

Good Morning All,

Last Sunday I used the African rain stick as our call to prayer, reminding us of the great need for rain in our area and throughout this part of the country. I also was reminded that “We don’t have, because we don’t ask…” It’s in the bible, you know…in John’s gospel, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish and it will be done for you” (John 15:7); and “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.” (John 16:24)

Of course when we hear these words all kinds of questions and concerns arise…especially when we ask God for something…we pray and we pray and we pray and at least in our opinion, God has turned a deaf ear to our requests and petitions. And we end up believing that God doesn’t really answer prayer…at least not our particular prayer. And so most of us end up thinking it does no good to pray and we end up giving up on prayer altogether. Sound familiar?

I believe that God DOES answer prayer…we just don’t always get the answer we desire or think is best. Of course we can never fully know God’s mind or exactly what’s behind God’s answer to our prayer. So we are called to do something that I believe is one of the most difficult challenges of having faith in God—and that’s the challenge of trust. We must trust God…to always have our best interests at heart…that God indeed desires the best for us. Trust is at the heart of God’s covenant with us as God’s people…it’s a 2-way street…God trusts us and we trust God.

I also believe in the power of corporate prayer…no, not the prayers of some large corporation…but the power that comes when we come together and pray the same prayer, whether it’s the Lord’s Prayer or when we are like-minded in purpose as we pray. The answers are not always immediate, nor in ways we expect. After all, God is the God of surprise and delight! But the power comes from being in prayer together, seeking God’s wisdom and guidance for whatever is most on our minds and in our hearts.
If we believe “We don’t have because we don’t ask,” Let’s get busy and ask…

We pray this day for our own personal needs whatever they may be; for friends and family; for peace in Iraq, Afghanistan, Darfur and so many other places in our global village; for justice; for reconciliation among the races and any and all barriers that divide us from one another; for our nation’s leaders; for the leaders of all nations; for prisoners and captives; for those serving our country; for those in need of life’s basics—food, medical care, clean water, shelter; for healing of body, mind and spirit; for the children; for families; for those who are abused and oppressed...Whew…
In your tender mercy, O God…hear our prayers…

…for the Church wherever it may be found as we strive to share our faith with those who are hungering and thirsting to be in relationship with God in Jesus Christ; and for Covenant Christian Church in particular, O God, as we celebrate the renewed energy and excitement that abounds; as you call us to meet the challenge of being faithful stewards, managers of all that you have provided for us…for ALL things come from you, O God. May we give of our time, energy and money; that we may give out of our abundance and not out of scarcity as you call us to sustain the ongoing ministries; while you are also calling us into YOUR future--to grow and provide programs and facilities that reach out to those who need a community of faith such as Covenant…Whew…
In your tender mercy, O God, hear our prayers…

Does God hear out prayers? YES! Does God answer prayer? YES! Will God answer the prayers we have just prayed? YES! How do I know this? I know this because I trust God in God’s wisdom to help us know that YOU and I are God’s answer to prayer…
Yes, whatever we dare to pray for, we must be open to God using us as the answer…

In your tender mercy, O God, reveal your answers to us as we open our hearts and lives to You, as you work in and through us…Blessings, Joanne