We ask God to give us more. We need a bigger house for our family. We need more money to send our kids to good schools. We ask for more so that we could help our family members and friends in need. We want better health so we could work hard and save up for a better pension.
I too, find myself asking for more. Lately I've been wondering if this is the right approach to prayer. Of course, it's not wrong to make requests to God in our prayers. He's invited us to do so. But have we considered He's already given us the things we keep asking for? That His answer to our prayers has long since been a resounding, 'Yes'.
I've known the story of Jesus feeding the multitude with two fishes and five loaves of bread for a long time. I've accepted this as a miracle even though the maths don't compute, but have never associated it with my own life. Jesus fed thousands using the two fishes he already had, after blessing them. He did not ask for more food. He used the food he had, blessed it and shared it out. It was enough. In fact, at the end of the meal his disciples picked up baskets of leftovers. This is the nature of a blessing - whatever you have, no matter how little, goes a long way. It's enough for you.
I think I should change my prayers
in relation to making requests. Of course, I pray for others and thank the Lord for the things I have. However, when it comes to making requests maybe I should ask for blessings on the things I already have rather than asking for more.God doesn't need to give us more in order to build a comfortable home for our family. His blessings will stretch whatever we have already. I don't have to understand how, but He can! I should have faith that He's already given us enough and that by asking for a blessing instead of more, He can make our little treasures multiply into thousands simply by saying the word.
How do you stay focused on counting your blessings?
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13 comments:
You're so right, it seems as if when I'm praying, I always ask for something. I just caught myself the other day. To stay focus, I say a quiet thank you when I see something beautiful or a good day..
Yes, I do focus on just asking for the right things, or not asking at all. Sometimes I fear that asking just means I am being self centered. I normally am very good at asking for others, as I see that it's selfless and that is the way it should be.
Good thoughts to ponder on. You are right. Many of us are already so blessed. I think we need to pass some of our blessings on to see them multiply.
We tend to take praying as asking for God's help in time of trouble. I'm on a mission to learn how to pray the right way..
Good health and a sound mind keep me thankful. As long as I have these, I'm ready to accept any challenge or endure trials. Its when I lose my marbles that I come undone LOL!
Stephen Tremp
I know I'm blessed and am thankful for the many wonderful things in my life. I pray to enjoy them to enable me to spread joy to others.
Icy, I have to concentrate as well. I make sure I add a prayer of thanks as I don't want to seem greedy.
It's a great thing that God knows our hearts and He knows what we are and what we need even before we ask.
Amanda, you're right. Praying for other people is very important too. I also try to pray for people I don't get along with. I find that this makes it easier for me to deal with them. You can't fight with someone you're praying for.:-)
Loree you have a very good point. I've never looked at prayer as passing the blessing on. That's a really great way to look at it.
DLegacy, I know that God knows our hearts. He alone knows if we're sincere. I'm sure He's not looking for fancy words, just a pure and contrite and humble heart.
Stephen, of course! A sound mind is one of the keys to all kinds of success. I pray also that God blesses me with a sound mind and wisdom of heart.
dear anne,
i like how you pray and think. my family has
been abundantly blessed, and we try to pass
a good portion along to others.
my prayers tend to be more for the blessing
of our hearts to grow in compassion and
generosity.
thank you for another thought provoking
essay.
Thank you, Lea. I'm trying to focus more on asking for blessings of the mind and spirit too.
We truly get to be materialistic when He has given us abundantly already.
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