"Two-thirds of the praying we do, is for that which would give us the greatest possible pleasure to receive. It is a sort of spiritual self-indulgence in which we engage, and as a consequence is the exact opposite of self-discipline. God knows all this, and keeps His children asking. In process of time -- His time -- our petitions take on another aspect, and we, another spiritual approach. God keeps us praying until, in His wisdom, He deigns to answer. And no matter how long it may be before He speaks, it is, even then, far earlier than we have a right to expect or hope to deserve." -- ANON.
Quoted from- 'THE NECESSITY OF PRAYER By E.M. BOUNDS' (Excerpt 31)
'Spiritual self indulgence' - How incredibly true is this? And equally true- it's 'the exact opposite of self- discipline.'
Our self indulgence, pleasing self, seeking self fulfillment, seeking self adoration, self contentment, self, self, self and how close that is to selfishness. Seriously, self focus is just a sliver away from selfishness. Satan would have us NOT see our own selfishness. Satan would have us indulge in our selfishness at every turn and will present us with millions and millions of opportunities to do so.
Selfishness in prayer… perhaps this is why our Savior taught us to pray in a certain form if not exact wording-
OUR FATHER WHICH ART IN HEAVEN- (Heaven Focused)
HALLOWED BE THY NAME- (Heaven Focused)
THY KINGDOM COME- (Heaven Focused)
THY WILL BE DONE IN EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN -(Heaven Focused)
GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD - (Self/Other Focused)
AND FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS - (Self/Other Focused)
AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION BUT DELIEVER US FROM EVIL- (Self/Other Focused)
FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM AND THE POWER AND THE GLORY FOR EVER - (Heaven Focused)
AMEN
Give us-Forgive us- Lead us-Deliver us.
Give, forgive, lead, deliver- us.
First we pray recognizing our FATHER in HEAVEN. We recognize HIS kingdom, HIS will.
Then we pray for our sustenance - spiritual and physical.
After that we pray for our SINS to be forgiven AS we forgive others their sins.
Next we pray for our Father in Heaven to lead us NOT into temptation and to DELIVER us from evil.
Last we recognize HIS kingdom, HIS power, HIS glory forever!
When we pray for things outside of this form of prayer we have to remember to not ask for anything amiss- anything selfishly, anything against God. All things must be prayed in HIS WILL, not ours.
May God help us remember to pray this way, HIS way, not OUR way, allowing the HOLY SPIRIT to speaking for us with groanings we cannot comprehend.
Your will LORD, Your will, always!
Quoted from- 'THE NECESSITY OF PRAYER By E.M. BOUNDS' (Excerpt 31)
'Spiritual self indulgence' - How incredibly true is this? And equally true- it's 'the exact opposite of self- discipline.'
Our self indulgence, pleasing self, seeking self fulfillment, seeking self adoration, self contentment, self, self, self and how close that is to selfishness. Seriously, self focus is just a sliver away from selfishness. Satan would have us NOT see our own selfishness. Satan would have us indulge in our selfishness at every turn and will present us with millions and millions of opportunities to do so.
Selfishness in prayer… perhaps this is why our Savior taught us to pray in a certain form if not exact wording-
OUR FATHER WHICH ART IN HEAVEN- (Heaven Focused)
HALLOWED BE THY NAME- (Heaven Focused)
THY KINGDOM COME- (Heaven Focused)
THY WILL BE DONE IN EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN -(Heaven Focused)
GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD - (Self/Other Focused)
AND FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS - (Self/Other Focused)
AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION BUT DELIEVER US FROM EVIL- (Self/Other Focused)
FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM AND THE POWER AND THE GLORY FOR EVER - (Heaven Focused)
AMEN
Give us-Forgive us- Lead us-Deliver us.
Give, forgive, lead, deliver- us.
First we pray recognizing our FATHER in HEAVEN. We recognize HIS kingdom, HIS will.
Then we pray for our sustenance - spiritual and physical.
After that we pray for our SINS to be forgiven AS we forgive others their sins.
Next we pray for our Father in Heaven to lead us NOT into temptation and to DELIVER us from evil.
Last we recognize HIS kingdom, HIS power, HIS glory forever!
When we pray for things outside of this form of prayer we have to remember to not ask for anything amiss- anything selfishly, anything against God. All things must be prayed in HIS WILL, not ours.
May God help us remember to pray this way, HIS way, not OUR way, allowing the HOLY SPIRIT to speaking for us with groanings we cannot comprehend.
Your will LORD, Your will, always!
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