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Prayer

8/16/2020

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“Prayer is a mighty weapon.” said Pastor Josh after a short introduction to the sermon.  Philippians 4:6 says to be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  Taking it one step further Second Corinthians 10:4 also says that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the puling down of strong holds.  Conquering only comes through God and prayer is our communication with God, the Almighty Creator.
Pastor Josh continued with a comparison.  “Prayer is like having a registered bull and not turning him in to the cows.  It doesn’t make any sense.  You have this asset, but you keep him locked up in the barn all day.  Doesn’t make any sense.  We have an asset in prayer and we ought to use it.”
“In the beginning God…” (Genesis 1:1)  And God said…” (Genesis 1:3, 6, 8, 9, 11, 14, 20, 24, 26, and 29).  Only His word was necessary to create all that is.  "Is" is a small two-letter word power-packed with so much meaning.  Just an appreciation of what God has done should make the most timid person of prayer feel bold.  Imagine it.  Everyone on this earth has the chance to talk to their one and only Creator.  It’s called prayer.
In the book of James it says that you have not because you ask not.  Pray over big and small things, in good or bad times.  Pray when you don’t need anything and when it seems like you need everything.  Pray when you’re like the man on the way to Jericho who is beaten and left for dead.  And pray when you’re like the good Samaritan who stopped, rendered aid and went the extra mile to pay for someone’s recovery.  Pray. Just pray.
James also says that you ask and receive not because you ask amiss that you may consume it upon your lusts.  For example, “Lord, I sure wish I had a new Chevrolet pickup, had a million dollars, had that farm or this job.  I wish my kids were this or that.”  Pastor Josh said, “If you’re worried about what you look like then you’re trying to consume it on your lusts.  I can pray for my kids but if I pray for my kids so that I won’t be embarrassed” (he paused, in thought)”…seen Andy Griffith?  Aunt Bee gets on to Andy because he’s not getting on Opie because he needs getting on to but because Opie’s making Andy look bad.  Not because it was wrong, good or bad.  Andy doesn’t know if it was wrong, good or bad.  He’s just embarrassed by Opie.  Can I tell you that’s wrong?  These are unwise prayers.  Be careful about those.”
 James also says the the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.  Get up in the morning and pray.  See what you might get accomplished—it’s what really needs done.  Ask God’s help.  Ask for His will to be done.  It really matters.  Prayers work because God answers.
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    Linda Johnson

    Linda Johnson moved to Douglas County with her husband Tom 12 years ago after retiring from teaching. Following Tom's death in 2016, Linda began facilitating a grief support group called GriefShare through Sweden Church.​ She serves as the Sunday School teacher for our High School class. Her "Layman's Pen" articles are also published in the local paper, The Douglas County Herald. 

    Andrea Strong

    Andrea is Pastor Joshua Strong's wife. She also serves Sweden Church as Church Secretary, website administrator, and Sunday School teacher to the Intermediate Class.

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