Do Prayers Reflect Belief?

by Jon Walker

Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer: "Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth. You've concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people.” (Matthew 11:25 MSG)

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What do your prayers reveal about your perceptions of God?

I was thinking about this question the other day while reading a book by the great prayer warrior T. W. Hunt. In Disciple’s Prayer Life, Hunt and co-author Catherine Walker teach that we learn about the attributes of God by analyzing the prayers of people in the Bible.

For instance, when Daniel knelt to pray, he knowingly violated a civil code that required he only pray to a king-proclaimed god. From Daniel’s prayer, we learn that God is the most high God, and there are no other gods above him.

When Cornelius, a Gentile, prayed, seeking salvation from the God of Abraham, we learn from his prayer that there is only one true God.

These, and many other prayers in the Bible, show us the character of God and help us know him more intimately. But then I started thinking: What would someone learn about God if they listened to my prayers? Would they see that he is trustworthy? Would they see that he’s pure and holy?

Or do my prayers suggest a god who is not trustworthy, a god who isn’t concerned about the circumstances of my life, a god who reflects my own weak faith as opposed to a God who is trustworthy, caring, and faithful?

What does this mean?

1. Know God – Do your prayers reveal the truth about God, his character as described in Scripture? Or do they reflect a wishful faith that hopes God is listening and willing to answer? Align your prayers with God’s great and unsurpassed character.He is El Shaddai, the all-sufficient One, able to meet any and all of your needs.
2. Pray Scripture – Align your prayers with God’s Word. One way to ensure this is to pray sections of Scripture. In other words, take a passage and use it as the basis for a prayer to God, personalizing it to your circumstances and needs.
3. Provision List – Thank God that he does answer your prayers. In fact, keep a list that records your prayers and the answers God provides. It will supply consistent evidence of God’s involvement in your life and his constant care for you.

Is Jesus Capable To Manage Your Life?

by Jon Walker

“He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13–14 (HCSB)

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It’s been my experience that whenever there is a change of leadership, people get nervous. It could be a new boss replacing another, bringing in a different set of procedures to replace the ones that are well-worn and familiar.

It could be a change of leadership in the government. Will the new people in power change things for the better or for worse?

When Jesus pours His Spirit into our hearts, it represents a change of leadership. Before this Jesus-event, we’re in charge, making decisions independent of God; after this Jesus-event, God is in charge and we make decisions dependent upon Him. During this Jesus-event, we confess, “I can’t; God can.”

Paul describes this change in leadership as a transfer from the Devil’s domain of darkness into God’s “Kingdom of the Son He loves.” In one realm, the Devil is the despot; in the other, Jesus rules with love, redemption, and forgiveness. (Matthew 11:30)

When this transfer takes place, we face a choice: Will we submit to the God’s leadership or will we continue to make decisions based on how we did it when we were aligned with the renegade régime.

What does this mean?

1. God works in you – Before you ask God to help you answer the questions below, remember that God is for you and He works within you. You are a work of His own hands, His masterpiece, and He is creating you anew to do the good things He planned for you long ago. (Ephesians 2:10, referencing NLT)
2. Is Jesus capable? – Ask God to guide you as you ask these questions of yourself:
   § Do you believe Jesus is capable to lead your life?
   § Do you believe Jesus is willing to lead your life?
   What does your behavior say about your beliefs? – Based upon your answers, how should you change the way you think and/or the way you behave in order to align with your beliefs? If you don’t believe Jesus is capable or willing to lead your life, ask God where that uncertainty comes from, and ask Him to help you believe. “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24 NKJV).