Our Prayers

by Joey Davis

"Where then is that sense of blessing you had?" Galatians 4:15

"Grief can take care of itself. but to get the full value of a joy you must have somebody to divide it with." Mark Twain

The content of our prayers speak volumes as to who we are and what we appreciate.

When entering the throne room of God, there is no need for pretense for God knows your heart and your desires.

The other night, Sawyer was leading our prayer at the dinner table. His prayer was, "God is great, God is good, but Olivia's not! In Jesus' name, Amen." (okay, I couldn't help laughing)

Then a couple of days later, it again fell Sawyer's turn to lead us in prayer. This time he was all business. He prayed the LP version of a dinnertime prayer. He thanked God for everything from Mommy and Daddy to Dixie, his new yellow lab. Then at the end of this prayer, he said, ". . . but I thank you not for Olivia, and I thank you not for TJ because they're mean to me! In Jesus' name, Amen."

Now the truth is, Sawyer adores his sister. And TJ is one of his best buddies. So I have to ask the same question the Apostle Paul asked, "where then is that sense of blessing you had?" What happened to your admiration for these folks? What happened is that in investing a great deal of value in these relationships, he has placed a great hurdle of expectations on them as well.

You see, Sawyer is learning what many adults have yet to understand. When you place value on people and things, they will always disappoint you.

Have you ever placed a great deal of value in a relationship? Did you think that if God would bless you to be a part of this other person's life that you would experience happiness? What about a possession? Now, be honest: how many times have these same blessings presented you with the curse of disappointment?

There is nothing more heartbreaking than the sight of a Christian who has lost their zeal. There is nothing colder than a lifeless congregation. And when I see these things, I have to ask, "where then is that sense of blessing?"

Nine times out of ten, the reason for the stagnance of a Christian or the death of a congregation stems from the Sawyer's problem with his sister and friend. . . too much emphasis placed on people and things and not enough placed on their/our Creator.

Happiness is to be shared with others, but the only true source of happiness is found in the one who created joy. . . God!

• Prayer -Feb 07, 1999
• "Did You Think to Pray?" -May 10, 1998
• Let Us Pray! -Jul 20, 1997
• Sawyer Praying -Mar 10, 1996
• Why Do We Pray? -Jun 06, 1993