Be Careful When You Pray

Every day, we as Christians have both the privilege and responsibility to pray. The Bible encourages us to “pray without ceasing”. In other words, we can and should be in constant communication with God. Why wouldn’t we want to talk with the One who gave us the ability to communicate! On a side note, when was the last time you thanked Him for being able to do so?

This week, especially, we should be in prayer for our nation, our leaders and everyone that has accepted or is pursuing a leadership role in society including: judges, politicians, commissioners and other individuals who are willing to assume these vital roles. Notice I said everyone, not just the ones we want to see win.

As often as the Bible encourages us to pray, it also teaches us how to pray (sermon on the mount) and cautions us on what we are asking for. In I Kings 8, Solomon is dedicating a newly built temple to God. Solomon is feeling really good about himself and what he has accomplished. As he speaks to a large crowd, Solomon spends several verses praising and thanking God. He also prays to God and asks Him to act justly towards His people; to bless them when they are faithful AND punish them when they turn away from Him. In fact, Solomon begins to plead that his prayers be answered.

In the ninth chapter of Kings (verse 6) God responds to Solomon’s requests with a warning. And in the eleventh chapter Solomon’s prayer is answered! Do you think that he knew he was talking about himself when he asked God to punish those who turn away from Him?

Our civic duty as citizens of the United States is to vote for all elected positions. Our inherited duty as children of the King is to carefully pray before doing so…

Pastor Aaron