Editor's Comments: This is a nice, short and to the point message on selfish prayers. I too had to chuckle while reading because I've been guilty in the past of wanting God to answer and answer quickly! I've learned however, by sincerely seeking a personal relationship with God that there is a blessing in knowing Him. Marie is so right when she says, our relationship with God changes everything! Be encouraged as you read this profound message. ~ Regina
Unanswered Prayers
By Marie Magdala Roker
"Don't pray when it
rains if you don't pray when the sun shines."- Leroy
"Satchel" Paige
Praying is an interesting form of communication with God. It reflects
how we relate to God and reveals a lot about our character.
Those of us
who pray to God have been guilty at one time or another of praying an
emergency prayer. This is not the kind of prayer for when we have a true
emergency, but the prayer to get out of a bind. It goes like this:
"Hi God, Remember me. Yeah, it's been a long time. Listen, as you
can see things are not going that great. I would appreciate it if you
can help me out of this situation. Thanks, I'll talk to you later.
"
God comes through, and we sigh with relief and start to think of bigger
request from what we consider to be our personal genie. We become more
self centered and demanding. The prayer goes like this: "Dear God,
Thanks for coming through on that last request. That was a close one.
Now, I need more. You see my situation, come on look out for me. Talk to
you later."
What happens when God doesn't come through this time. We get our request
stamped Return to Sender. We begin to question if God was ever really in
our corner and looking out for us. We start to question our faith. It is
during these times that God examines our hearts to help us see who we
really are and what we really need in our lives. We slowly begin to
realize that our childish, selfish prayers were a one way conversation.
We were willing to talk, but not willing to listen.
We realize that what we thought was a need was really a want, a desire.
We start to identify what is important in our lives. We start to have
gratitude for what we have. Our lives no longer center around what's
missing from our lives, but what is flowing abundantly in our lives.
Our relationship with God changes as our prayers become more heartfelt
and more sincere. The words we used to search for come naturally,
because we chose to stay still and listen. The changes we wanted God to
make in others become transformations in ourselves. We ask God to show
us instead of trying to show Him. We begin to let go and let God.
We come to the realization that what we thought was an unanswered prayer
was a true blessing.
About this contributor:
Marie Magdala Roker is a Personal Development Coach an Author of
Successful Thinking for a Successful Life: How to Banish the Unhealthy
Thoughts and Habits That Limit Your Success. Her Successful Thinking™
program is an affordable coaching resource that offers support and
encouragement when there are roadblocks to success. You can find out
more about the program at www.thinkandbesuccessful.com
or sign up for her free Be Inspired newsletter at www.smartbeecoaching.com
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