“…as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.” — 2 Corinthians 1:11 (NIV84)
The amazing thing about prayer is that there is such a thing. Certainly an omnipotent and omniscient God could choose to do as He pleases without the need to consider the thoughts and desires of His creatures. He simply could impose His will upon us. The amazing thing is God allows us, His creatures, to call upon Him and plead for him to hear and respond with consideration to our will and desire. In the midst of moving His kingdom forward, He not only has the ability, but the desire, to hear the prayers of His people and work their requests into the movement of His will. Maybe I’m just simple-minded, but that seems to be amazingly complex and unnecessary.
So why does God do it the way He does? Because He loves us. He truly loves us as a good father loves his children. Paul, knowing this to be true, requested the prayers of his friends and associates. He told them that he looked forward to the day in which they would all be able to give thanks to God together because He granted answers to their prayers. I think this ought to be our attitude about prayer. It is not a chore — it is an opportunity. An opportunity to share everything with the One who knows us best, and faithfully anticipate His gracious answers to our petitions.
Peace!
Pastor Tom
www.firmlyrooted.church