This passage really had me assessing my attitude. What is my attitude in prayer? How often do I pray for something only to fail to notice God's answer later? We miss so many answered prayers this way, just by not paying attention; not expecting God to work through our prayer. Maybe if changed my attitude I would notice more answered prayers and realize how desperately God wants to do good things for me – even if it isn't what I originally asked for.
My attitude matters when I approach God in prayer and when I am waiting for God to answer.
That second verse gets me every time….It is sooooo hard to forgive. I find myself (especially driving) trying to pray for the person instead of getting all upset and frustrated. I know it is a simple example but I really struggle with that. Instead of flying off the handle, I've been making a conscious effort to pray for someone to slow down, to pay better attention, for more patience.
This first verse is in my bathroom, reminding me to go to God for all I need and BELIEVING it will come!
The second verse is also key in that we really need to go to Him without holding grudges…which is SO HARD TO DO! I have a couple of instances in my life where I just can't seem to let them go, no matter how hard I try. But why would God forgive me ALL MY SINS if I can't even forgive one of a fellow human?
I also struggle with knowing if I’ve REALLY forgiven someone. Like others have said, I think I’ve made peace, but occasionally the bitterness still sneaks in. How do you know when your heart has truly forgiven?
I think that's human nature. We still remember bad things that happened to us, but I think the key is to give it to God each time it comes up in our minds. I really thing if we have tried to forgive and still feel even a little bitter towards the person/situation, the devil can swoop in and make us feel guilty about being unforgiving. Don't feel guilty, just keep praying about it friend! :-)
i am struggling with this prayer. I am not patient right now. I have been praying regarding the direction my employment should take. I am not working at the moment, and I am struggling with the financial issues related to my not working. I need others to join with me in prayer to find the means to help my son realize his dreams for a college education as well as to know the direction my life should take. I have felt for several years that God is calling me in a new direction, but I am not sure what direction that should take.
I know what you're talking about! My future seems a little shaky and unsure right now and it's SO HARD to be patient! How long do we have to wait!?
But God has a plan. He knows what we NEED and maybe we just need to learn in this time. It doesn't make it easier, but maybe this thought can grant us a little peace. :-)
Love that about thinking God will give us a snake. I do that all the time. I found it interesting that the verses about forgiveness were included here as well. I do think if we make the choice to forgive, that's what counts, even when we don't feel it.
Jen, I love that thought! Living as though what I asked for is in the mail. I certainly know I hawk the mailbox expectantly. I want to bring this to my relationship with the Lord! Thanks for that!
And yay Beth on your new job and just seeking the Lord fo His timing and plan! :)
Uggg…..forgiveness. Sometimes…I feel freedom from the hurt. However, I do remember the pain and unbelief of "that someones" actions. It is hard to forgive when it's a family member and they say they "can't" or they just don't say "i am sorry" they say it isn't in their "vocabulary". So….it is up to me to forgive anyway. Then…..I find satan putting "scenarios" in my mind about a given time or situation with them or what may happen. In the end, those "scenarios" are just satan induced and evil. *****sigh**** I do forgive……but why is there a wall built up every time I think of them or going to spend time with them? Does that mean I haven't forgiven? I feel that I have….forgiven, it's just those darn walls from the hurt. They won't seem to go away.
Forgiving doesn't necessarily mean you have forgotten what happened. No matter how much we try to deny it, things that happen in our past will affect our future to some degree. And it is definitely the devil swooping in telling you that you are a bad person for not being forgiving. We are all human and all we can do is ask God for help in these situations!
Just wanted to share a big answer to prayer. I have been praying for a while (couple years) about direction for my career. I started to get specific early this summer, asking for an opportunity to open up at my current place of employment. The very next day after I prayed that, a job was posted that was a great fit for me. I applied, went through a speedy interview process, and yesterday accepted the job. God is so good!
Hi Beth… My husband and I are in a similar situation and this is so encouraging! Congrats on the new job and May God grant you favor and establish the works of your hands.
I have a hard time expecting that my prayers will be answered because I know sometimes God will not give me the specific thing I want. I need to remember, God will either grant my request or replace it with something BETTER. My sin lies in believing that if I ask for a fish, he may give me a snake.
Ahhhhh, yes. Too many times we're begging Him for a fish when He really wants to be giving us ice cream! He's had a plan for our life before time began & He truly knows what is best & will give it to us in His time.
LOVE this!! I hate that I have to sometimes remind myself of what it says in Romans 8:31b If God is for us, who can be against us? God IS for me so I can't be afraid of what His answer to my prayer will be. I have to BELIEVE it is better just like you said :)
I loved reading the Message translation of these verses. Verse 25 really stuck with me because it says that only after we forgive others that we have something against or who have done wrong by us that God will wipe our slates of sins clean. Also, it is amazing to know that we can pray for absolutely everything – ranging from small to large.
ugh! I keep thinking I've forgiven a situation; but every once-in-a-while the old bitterness creeps back into my soul. I pray for those who "wronged" me, but it's hard to pray they'll be blessed.
Challenged me to trust that i am heard and God sees my needs. Also the importance of checking my heart…am i trying to approach God as if i am better than others who have hurt me? If i am, I'm not resting in the redemption/justification I'm given through Christ alone. Approach God in humility.
{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
This passage really had me assessing my attitude. What is my attitude in prayer? How often do I pray for something only to fail to notice God's answer later? We miss so many answered prayers this way, just by not paying attention; not expecting God to work through our prayer. Maybe if changed my attitude I would notice more answered prayers and realize how desperately God wants to do good things for me – even if it isn't what I originally asked for.
My attitude matters when I approach God in prayer and when I am waiting for God to answer.
That second verse gets me every time….It is sooooo hard to forgive. I find myself (especially driving) trying to pray for the person instead of getting all upset and frustrated. I know it is a simple example but I really struggle with that. Instead of flying off the handle, I've been making a conscious effort to pray for someone to slow down, to pay better attention, for more patience.
This first verse is in my bathroom, reminding me to go to God for all I need and BELIEVING it will come!
The second verse is also key in that we really need to go to Him without holding grudges…which is SO HARD TO DO! I have a couple of instances in my life where I just can't seem to let them go, no matter how hard I try. But why would God forgive me ALL MY SINS if I can't even forgive one of a fellow human?
I also struggle with knowing if I’ve REALLY forgiven someone. Like others have said, I think I’ve made peace, but occasionally the bitterness still sneaks in. How do you know when your heart has truly forgiven?
I think that's human nature. We still remember bad things that happened to us, but I think the key is to give it to God each time it comes up in our minds. I really thing if we have tried to forgive and still feel even a little bitter towards the person/situation, the devil can swoop in and make us feel guilty about being unforgiving. Don't feel guilty, just keep praying about it friend! :-)
i am struggling with this prayer. I am not patient right now. I have been praying regarding the direction my employment should take. I am not working at the moment, and I am struggling with the financial issues related to my not working. I need others to join with me in prayer to find the means to help my son realize his dreams for a college education as well as to know the direction my life should take. I have felt for several years that God is calling me in a new direction, but I am not sure what direction that should take.
Praying for you!
I know what you're talking about! My future seems a little shaky and unsure right now and it's SO HARD to be patient! How long do we have to wait!?
But God has a plan. He knows what we NEED and maybe we just need to learn in this time. It doesn't make it easier, but maybe this thought can grant us a little peace. :-)
Love that about thinking God will give us a snake. I do that all the time. I found it interesting that the verses about forgiveness were included here as well. I do think if we make the choice to forgive, that's what counts, even when we don't feel it.
Jen, what a cute little quote! I think I might type it up and hang it on my wall. :)
Jen, I love that thought! Living as though what I asked for is in the mail. I certainly know I hawk the mailbox expectantly. I want to bring this to my relationship with the Lord! Thanks for that!
And yay Beth on your new job and just seeking the Lord fo His timing and plan! :)
Uggg…..forgiveness. Sometimes…I feel freedom from the hurt. However, I do remember the pain and unbelief of "that someones" actions. It is hard to forgive when it's a family member and they say they "can't" or they just don't say "i am sorry" they say it isn't in their "vocabulary". So….it is up to me to forgive anyway. Then…..I find satan putting "scenarios" in my mind about a given time or situation with them or what may happen. In the end, those "scenarios" are just satan induced and evil. *****sigh**** I do forgive……but why is there a wall built up every time I think of them or going to spend time with them? Does that mean I haven't forgiven? I feel that I have….forgiven, it's just those darn walls from the hurt. They won't seem to go away.
Forgiving doesn't necessarily mean you have forgotten what happened. No matter how much we try to deny it, things that happen in our past will affect our future to some degree. And it is definitely the devil swooping in telling you that you are a bad person for not being forgiving. We are all human and all we can do is ask God for help in these situations!
Just wanted to share a big answer to prayer. I have been praying for a while (couple years) about direction for my career. I started to get specific early this summer, asking for an opportunity to open up at my current place of employment. The very next day after I prayed that, a job was posted that was a great fit for me. I applied, went through a speedy interview process, and yesterday accepted the job. God is so good!
Thanks for sharing! :) This is soooo good! He is so good! Happy for you friend.
Hi Beth… My husband and I are in a similar situation and this is so encouraging! Congrats on the new job and May God grant you favor and establish the works of your hands.
I have a hard time expecting that my prayers will be answered because I know sometimes God will not give me the specific thing I want. I need to remember, God will either grant my request or replace it with something BETTER. My sin lies in believing that if I ask for a fish, he may give me a snake.
Ahhhhh, yes. Too many times we're begging Him for a fish when He really wants to be giving us ice cream! He's had a plan for our life before time began & He truly knows what is best & will give it to us in His time.
LOVE this!! I hate that I have to sometimes remind myself of what it says in Romans 8:31b If God is for us, who can be against us? God IS for me so I can't be afraid of what His answer to my prayer will be. I have to BELIEVE it is better just like you said :)
I loved reading the Message translation of these verses. Verse 25 really stuck with me because it says that only after we forgive others that we have something against or who have done wrong by us that God will wipe our slates of sins clean. Also, it is amazing to know that we can pray for absolutely everything – ranging from small to large.
ugh! I keep thinking I've forgiven a situation; but every once-in-a-while the old bitterness creeps back into my soul. I pray for those who "wronged" me, but it's hard to pray they'll be blessed.
How I need to be more of Christ & less of me!
I totally agree! It's hard to grasp that prayer isn't just about asking or requests, its about forgiveness too.
Challenged me to trust that i am heard and God sees my needs. Also the importance of checking my heart…am i trying to approach God as if i am better than others who have hurt me? If i am, I'm not resting in the redemption/justification I'm given through Christ alone. Approach God in humility.
Reminded me that I need to be patient and rejoice in God for his goodness in the crazy times.
I love how the message puts it, "that's why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large."
"Live as though everything you ask for is simply in the mail. Sometimes shipping takes longer than you think." ;)
Love it!