14-16The unspiritual self, just as it is by nature, can't receive the gifts of God's Spirit. There's no capacity for them. They seem like so much silliness. Spirit can be known only by spirit—God's Spirit and our spirits in open communion. Spiritually alive, we have access to everything God's Spirit is doing, and can't be judged by unspiritual critics. Isaiah's question, "Is there anyone around who knows God's Spirit, anyone who knows what he is doing?" has been answered: Christ knows, and we have Christ's Spirit. (The Message)
One of my frustrations in life is when I'm around believers who are praying for a very real need and they pray eloquently and powerfully for the circumstance only to close the prayer with, "but what ever your will Lord may it be so." At that moment I want to stand up and shout at the top of my lungs, "Why did you waist that much breath praying for something that you don't know is under God's will!"
For those of you who are immediately offended or puzzled I better stop and explain myself. Paul tells us that we can know the will and ways of God because Christ's Spirit (the Holy Spirit) is available to us and lives within us. Now that doesn't mean that we always know exactly what it is in a given circumstance that will bring the most glory to God. It doesn't mean that God is going to intervene and bring about the miracle we pray for because God is not a genie that we can wish upon or control. However there are some things that we should know about God's intent and purpose for the way the world is supposed to work. If you are unclear about those a more complete reading of the Bible might be in order.
So next time when you pray may I suggest two options for you rather than simply praying, "what ever Lord."
- Lord, help me to see what your will is in this situation that I might pray alongside of your will.
- Lord I know that you are ..... and that you desire ..... I pray that you will fulfill your will in this way .... by ..... .
As you pray in this way you will learn several things. First you will learn that God is a God who still does miracles. Second you will learn that the Spirit will guide your prayers in ways that might be different than your first inclination. Plus you will learn that no matter what the outcome you have boldly gone where God has asked you to go.
Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:
- What percentage of time do you think you know what God is up to in your life on a regular basis?
- Do you find it easy or difficult to pray for specific things? For yourself? For others?
- Where do you need to grow the most in understanding God's will and ways?
- Who might you join in praying more boldly to God for specific circumstances? What would you pray?
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