from the book Growing Deeper in God. after the 1st 2 chapters, pst chan emphasized again and again the importance of prayer. Jesus himself committed to prayer again and again in the bible. even the Son of God is committed to a life of prayer what more us!
the title of the 1st chapter amused me a little. God of the how much more. what did pst chan mean? intrigued I read more and indeed our God is a God of how much more. in context, Jesus taught a principle that if your child ask from you a fish, would you give a snake? of course not. and how much more God would not and even exceed your request.
Prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance; it is believing in a God who hears, answers and even exceeds our prayers!
also
Prayer is not about you - prayer is all about God! It is not about how deep or how great your prayer is, or how long or eloquent your prayer is. Prayer is all about who God is!
it got me thinking about my own life. I regularly ask myself, why do I find myself lacking? in everything. I am not successful, nor rich. not healthy. but as a believer, shouldn't I be more concerned with my spiritual health, which is feeble at best?
in this society especially in singapore, hard not to go after material things. had not to compare achievements with peers and friends. what's worse is I'm not even a good church goer.
from chapter 2, the significance of prayer. Until we are desperate that we have nothing, prayer is merely incidental, or at best, supplemental in our lives - but it will never be fundamental.
we often turn to prayer and God only when we are in need. when we are desperate. God knows that if I am too comfortable with worldly things, I will drift further away from spiritual things.
until I can let go God will never bless me in that area.
"God, You are the creator of the computer, the luxury items, everything. I ask for the wisdom and understanding that this is the truth and no 2 ways about it. I sincerely want to stop seeking worldly possessions and start building treasures in heaven. I acknowledge that my life is a mess and I want to straighten it starting with my relationship with You. I acknowledge that You are my spiritual Father, the creator of heaven and earth. I can't fool You. I can't run and so I'm surrendering this life. make it worthwhile and make it count towards the kingdom of heaven. I can't do it by my own strength. I ask for divine strength and wisdom. Thank You God. Amen."
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