Manipulation or Relationship?
No one likes to be manipulated.
Not even God.
I should say, especially not God.
But, much of our religious activity tends to fall into that category; do the ceremonies, say the prayers, get what you want.
Or, not? If God isn't answering our prayers, what is wrong?
I think prayer is not to get God to see our point of view, but the other way around. As we pray, He guides us to see things from His point of view. And, as He has a better view of things from His position, that is the same as saying,"to see things as they really are."
If we get that straight, we can go on to see our interpersonal relationships as He does. He is the impartial and just Judge, who plays no favorites, and doesn't allow us to insist on our own way all the time. If we pray with hearts and minds open to His promptings, He will guide our responses to others. This generally means needing to face up to our own shortcomings in relationships, and learning to forgive, and be forgiven.
Nobody said it was going to be easy. But, God's way is definitely better.
Not even God.
I should say, especially not God.
But, much of our religious activity tends to fall into that category; do the ceremonies, say the prayers, get what you want.
Or, not? If God isn't answering our prayers, what is wrong?
I think prayer is not to get God to see our point of view, but the other way around. As we pray, He guides us to see things from His point of view. And, as He has a better view of things from His position, that is the same as saying,"to see things as they really are."
If we get that straight, we can go on to see our interpersonal relationships as He does. He is the impartial and just Judge, who plays no favorites, and doesn't allow us to insist on our own way all the time. If we pray with hearts and minds open to His promptings, He will guide our responses to others. This generally means needing to face up to our own shortcomings in relationships, and learning to forgive, and be forgiven.
Nobody said it was going to be easy. But, God's way is definitely better.
posted by John Elliot | 11:18 PM
1 Comments:
God is the ultimate parent. He always answers prayers! Sometimes, the answer is yes and sometimes the answer is no. It might even be
'maybe later'. But to say a prayer is not answered means you have to think again!
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