Although none of use are perfect at it, we are called to be led by the Holy Spirit. We're also called to seek that God will be glorified and honored in all we do. We're also called to count this world as nothing and trust God to be all in all.
Where is all this going?
I am firmly convinced from scripture that this physical body we're lugging aroung is on a one-way path toward death. Aging is nothing more than death in progress. Sickness, weakness, disease, etc are all byproducts of sin entering the world. And God has not promised anybody that He's going to right the ship before the resurrection. We have been healed in our inner man already. But the outer man is perishing. And so be it. I rarely pray for a physical healing for anybody. Can God do it? Yes. And there have been times when He has explicitly directed me to pray that way, or lay hands on someone. But rarely
As for money, a house, a car.....
People tend use the word "need" but I would venture to say most are wants.
Is God glorified if we keep begging for something He's not going to do? Ehat do others think of all these unanswered prayers? Or the ineffectiveness of God as they perceive it?
Is it fair to expect of Him something which He's never promised to deliver?
And unfortunately, the majority of the time, peaople are not seeking for God to be glorified, they're only seeking the thing they want. I don't believe God expects us to pray for those at all
Why not, He is our father and He loves us. Many times I have prayed for my wants and needs and He has abundantly given me both and I thank Him profusely.
Also when we ask Him for a want then at least we are communicating with Him.
That's better than just going our merry way and ignoring Him.
OK, it shouldn't be JUST for the gift of the want but even if it starts out that way it is an opportunity to learn thankfulness and then to share our abundance which leads to His glorification (IMO).
Hebrews 13:16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices
God is well pleased.
Our father has elevated our sharing to a NT "sacrifice".
The Greek word for "share" in this passage is
koinonia- fellowship.
When we enter into the holy place (Jesus ripped open the veil for us to go in) and ask, seek, knock which are also all forms of fellowship (with our father) which we are invited to do:
1 john
3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
While we are in there asking for wants and needs the Spirit will prompt us to pray aright.
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
So at least we should enter, ask, seek, knock for EVERYTHING, needs, wants, desires... because the Spirit will correct us and help. We should avail ourselves of the thing forbidden to the Israelite beyond the veil - the attendant promises of the Blood Covenant.
This is our privilege as NT priests (male and female)
He encourages us to be persistent (which is different than being repetitious).
Luke 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:
3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
HankD
