20/10/09         PRAYING IN DOUBT      

Scripture – Acts 12:16 “Now Peter continued knocking and when they opened the door and saw how they were astonished”

 Observations – The church has been praying consistently for Peter to be freed from prison however when he was freed and arrived at their place they were astonished. Rather than expecting Peter to arrive they actually had little faith that their prayers would be answered. This can be typical of us all on many occasions. We pray for people to be healed and are surprised when they are healed. This can especially become they case when we have prayed and nothing seems to have happened. The lesson is to change our mentality – way of thinking – and not so easily allow ourselves to think negatively.

 Application – We need to work on “seeing” the result we are praying for. Our words, our imaginations and our thanksgiving are all very important. I certainly can learn from this example. Fear causes us to visualise a negative result. Faith causes us to visualise a positive result. It takes discipline and time but it is worth it.

 Prayer – Lord, help us to see, act and respond in faith when we pray. Help us to be more careful with our thinking. Help us to use our imagination positively. Lord help us to pray far more effectively, as you did when you were on earth.