PLEASING PRAYERS

As children of he Most High God we are so privileged to be able to take all of our concerns, worries, fears, and desires to the Lord in prayer. It is such a comfort to know that He hears and answers us and that we are never alone in this earthly journey. Isaiah 30:19 declares, "How gracious He will be when you cry for help! As soon as He hears, He will answer you." (NIV)


John 16: 23-24 reads, "My Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." (NIV) Surely we have all faced a problem which seemed impossible to conquer in the natural realm. However, after bringing it to the Lord, He worked it out miraculously and we stood astounded. Perhaps it was a small matter. Nevertheless we saw His hand of mercy and grace and we are still filled with awe and gratitude at His power to turn the situation around for our good and His glory.


The challenge to us, I believe, is to offer prayers which are pleasing to the Lord. As we mature in our walk with God it seems we want more and more to bring our heavenly Father joy, even in our prayer life. King Solomon presented a shining example of an honorable supplication. The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and promised to grant Him anything He wanted. The King's request was as follows, "Give me an understanding mind so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great nation of yours?" I Kings 3:9 (NLT)


Scripture goes on to say that God was very pleased with Solomon's altruistic petition. Solomon had not asked for long life or riches but rather for divine wisdom to govern God's people with fairness. This delighted the Lord so much that He decided to give him abundant wisdom, wealth, great honor and long life. Solomon's request is certainly an inspiration to us as we come before the Lord in our own prayer time. "May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14 (NLT)


Written By C.F.