God's Perspective on Prayer
(Recipe: Baked Macaroni)

We are doing a study in Sunday School entitled, A Praying Life by Paul L. Miller. We just started the series, but I already know I am going to be challenged, as well as learn some new things. I am looking forward to the learning and challenge. Anything that will help my prayer life.

A few years ago my daughter-in-law Lisa spoke at a women's retreat. Her topic was “What Grows In Your Garden”. One of her topics for the weekend was on prayer. A definition of prayer is, “communication with God”. As we communicate with God, let’s consider the following, (from Lisa’s outline). (Lisa’s web page - deeperstillministries.com).


Who prays? The humble – 2 Chronicles 7:14; God’s servants – Job 42:8; the disobedient – Jonah 2:1; the saints – Revelation 5:8; the needy – 1 Samuel 1:27; the troubled – James 5:13; the upright – Proverbs 15:8; the righteous – Proverbs 15:29 and Disciples of Christ – Acts 16:4. This covers everyone! We ALL are asked to communicate with our Heavenly Father.

Who do we pray for? The mistreated – Luke 6:28; your persecutors – Matthew 5:44; the troubled – James 5:13; the agonized – Luke 22:44, the Believers – both Jesus and the Apostle Paul prayed for them. Who are you praying for?

What do we pray for? Open Scripture and pray God’s word back to God, but if you want specifics, consider these: Repentance/forgiveness – 1 John 1:9; Peace – Psalm 122:6; Wisdom – James 1:5; Joy – Isaiah 56:7; Freedom from temptation – Luke 22:40; Whatever – Mark 11:24; Each other – James 5:16; Friends – Job 42:10; EVERYTHING – Philippians 4:6 There is so much more. Search Scripture and see what God says to you. It’s not all about ME!

Where do we pray? I’m sure God doesn’t care WHERE, he just cares that we DO. What suggestions does God’s word give? Consider these unique suggestions! Over there – Matthew 26:36; in the cave – Psalm 142; in the wilderness – Luke 5:16; in God’s house – Acts 10:30; from prison – Acts 16:25; a solitary place – Mark 1:35; alone – Matthew 14:23; standing – Mark 11:25; together – Acts 12:12. For me, “my kitchen table” – no Scripture given!!

When do we pray? All night – Luke 6:12; early morning – Mark 1:35; at midnight – Acts 16:25; three times a day – Daniel 6:10; always keep on – Luke 21:36; continually – 1 Thessalonians 5:17. I've prayed at each of these times, how about you?

Why do we pray? God delights in answering us when we call, Mark 11:24 –“I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you've received it, it will be yours”. Let’s delight God’s heart by talking to him, and asking for specifics, because he is our Father and loves us.

What prayer are you waiting to receive an answer to? Bring it to God, lay it before him, present your case specifically, then walk away believing you already have your answer. God WILL answer. He is never late, never early, ALWAYS right on time, His Time! God says “we don’t have because we don’t ask” – James 4:2. Start asking! Start believing! Sit back and watch God at work. Happy Praying!

Baked Macaroni

8 oz. cooked macaroni
2 cups creamed cottage cheese
2 cups sour cream
1 beaten egg
2 cups cheddar cheese
salt and pepper
½ cup bread crumbs
butter
Paprika

Mix the first 6 ingredients together. Pour into a greased baking dish. Top with bread crumbs, dot with butter and sprinkle with Paprika. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.