Prayer and Independence

On it's own independence is  not a bad thing.  Taken to an extreme it can be harmful.  Can’t remember where I got this just because I have read and reread too many books on prayer.  But whenever I don’t feel like praying I remember this quote from someone I don’t remember (probably: Bob Sorge):

The posture of prayer is humility.  Prayerlessness is the first sign of prideful independence.

When you're tempted to turn this way – turn instead to Psalm 62:

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.  He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.  V. 1-2

For best effect read this Psalm aloud like a declaration.  Let your own soul realize that it will not find rest anywhere or with anyone except with GOD ALONE!

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.   V. 5-6

Stage 2 of your prayer is a declaration that the day will be full of hope….why?  because God is my hope, my rock and my salvation.

Lowborn men are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie;
if weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath. V.9

Finally this verse is a simple reminder that, while men wish they were not equals the fact of life is we all are.  It is here that we need to realize our dependence on God no matter who we are.  A good indicator of this acknowledgment is the time we spend in  prayer.

Read also:  Discipleship and Locusts

Comments

[Adeline]

Nice one PTR Joey!

Keep up the god Work!

[gina]

There's always an impact to my life every time I hear you preach or read you archives. People clearly see that you walk with God. When you reach heaven, it will not be strange to u or new to u. seems God will call u by your first name. I cant find d word to express want i was trying to say. all i know, i want to be close to God, but i was very slow to grow/improve.

[Bona Faye B.Ravina]

Pastor Joey,iam a new member of VCF Dasma and still undergoing 1to1.I was so blessed by the "outrangeous-Love your enemy" topic that u shared in the Pod.My husband left me and my son for another woman and i have had conflicts w/ my father in law because he is taking side in favor of his son.I was praying for God to bless me w/ a forgiving heart...Its been a constant prayer.Listening to your preaching gave me a different perspective on forgiveness and loving those you have wronged against me.Indeed,it can be done!God is so gracious that He constantly leads me to people that can help me grow as a Christian.I thank God for making you an instrument of my healing.I know that God will continue to mold me into a child that He wanted me to be.God bless you and your family.