Sunday, June 9, 2013

Prayer



(Recipe: No Bake Peanut Butter Pie)

Our pastor spoke on the subject of prayer this morning at church. How often we pray for something, then are amazed when that prayer is answered. Or we pray, never expecting God to answer it immediately – if at all. The church praying for Peter in Acts 12 experienced this. They gathered for prayer, praying for Peter’s release (vs. 12). There was a knock at the door. Someone spoke. A young girl recognized the voice as the voice of Peter. Without even opening the door she ran to tell the church that “Peter was here.” No one believed her! Couldn’t possibly be Peter! No way could he be released from prison! She must have heard an angel.

Were they not just praying and begging for Peter’s release?

Why did they seem so surprised that God might have answered their prayer?

I can’t really fault this group of people. At times, I have acted in the same way. I remember 47 years ago praying earnestly that God would heal our 5 year old son who had been run over by a farm tractor. Doctors were not optimistic. Children with this kind of injury do not survive.

But I prayed. Doctors didn’t know my God. Each day we saw improvement, to the surprise of the doctors.

I must admit, even I was surprised, although I should not have been. After all, I had been pleading with God to spare this young life? What a delight to admit at the end of seven days that God had indeed answered my prayer for healing. The doctors labeled him “The Miracle Child.”

Indeed, it was a miracle, performed by my God, in answer to prayer.

Our son was released from the hospital with no lasting effects from his ordeal. God answered prayer over and above all I could have imagined.

Why then was I surprised when God answered this prayer? Why did I seem to doubt it would even happen?
I’m sure God whispered, “Oh ye of little faith. You may doubt, but I will increase your belief.”

God has given his children some wonderful promises regarding prayer.

Proverbs 15:29 – “....he hears the prayer of the righteous.”
Matthew 21:22 – “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
James 5:16 - “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

What are you praying for today? Don’t give up. Keep on asking and believing that God will give you your heart’s desire. Don’t be surprised when the answer comes. And if your faith seems weak, ask God to strengthen it.

We have an Awesome and Amazing God who loves to do awesome and amazing things for his children. He does so each and every day. Are you watching? Do you see them? What prayer has God just answered for you today?

No Bake Peanut Butter Pie

1 8-oz. cream cheese
1-1/2 C. confectioners’ sugar
1 C. peanut butter
1 C. milk
1 16-oz. frozen whipped topping, thawed
2 nine inch prepared graham cracker crusts

Beat together cheese and confectioners’ sugar. Mix in peanut butter and milk. Beat until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spoon into two pie shells; cover and freeze until firm.