TOO MUCH PRAYER?
Guest writer Steve Petkoff
"If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31
There should be no shortage of things or people to pray for in today's uncertain and troubled world.
If it's not the pandemic, it's either fires and floods, hurricanes and tornados, global warming and global genocide, mudslides, volcanic eruptions, droughts, or too much rain.
Life can be chaotic if we let it. Unfortunately, what we may be praying for is probably being countered by another's prayers.
Sometimes, it's too hot or too cold; some favor abortion, and others are pro-life. Some claim voter fraud, and others say it's voter suppression; some people want the vaccine, and others say never; some insist on masks, and others say no way; some say too many immigrants and others say Black lives matter; some want higher wages, and others say you're not worth it; some say defund the police, and others say everyone should own a gun; hardcore people say too many Democrats, hardcore people say too many Republicans; some say too many terrorists and others say too many politicians; some say there are too many clouds and others say it's too sunny; some want free love and others wish for nickel beer; some say I'm in too much pain, and others say I don't have enough money; some say there is too much death and others say we don't have enough love!
Our prayers may start to feel burdensome and overwhelming! So, what's God doing about it?
I find my answer in words from Romans 8:38 that affirms my faith: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
There are a variety of ways of praying. The most common are worship, petition, intercession, supplication, and thanksgiving. Not so commonly popular are a few others, like repentance, reception, examination, centering, offering, consecration, and welcoming.
My most consistent is intercession, calling on God to bless and provide for my family and friends. However, I have relied chiefly on just the simple prayer of petition followed by thanksgiving through the years. It's so easy to ask!
Lately, however, I wonder if I'm taking up too much of God's time. He has always answered my prayers, so why should I keep bothering Him? So, some days I take a break and surrender to my faith. Marveling at just being in the presence of God lets my imagination amaze me.
Steve Petkoff