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Prayer – A Healthy Attitude
Prayer is a great part of being healthy for the servant leader. We examine the meaning and power of prayer in our lives. First instance, what is your attitude toward God as your Heavenly Father? Is it the opportunity given to know God? It is through prayer that we can speak and seek to know the will of God. Your attitude is important to God. God looks at the attitude of the heart. What is attitude? Attitude is defined as a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person’s behavior (Bing). Biblically, the word attitude is the desire or commitment to be more Christ-like. Through prayer, daily, we can seek him.
Hence, God did not say a perfect prayer is the requirement to know him. Jesus, the only perfect One, has already prayed that prayer – the prayer of perfection. He is the Father listening to His children.
What should our attitude be? Our attitude should be wanting to pray the will of God for our lives. It means you are willing to be guided by His Spirit. Why? Because God knows what is best for us. That is the attitude that pleases Him. That is the commitment to be more like him.
Prayer – Interceding of The Holy Spirit
Second, what does it mean that the Holy Spirit will help us with the attitude of prayer? The scriptures teach that the Holy Spirit knows the mind of God because He is a part of God and He resides within those who receive Him. For example, the scripture states in John 14:26 NIV, the Holy Spirit will teach you all things; He is here to remind us of what God has said. Jesus told the people that this comforter is from the Father. The language of God is known by the Holy Spirit. Isaiah 55:8-9 tells us that we do not know the thoughts and ways of God. His thoughts and ways are higher than ours. For instance, think of traveling to an unfamiliar land. You need a map or GPS as your guide. Thus, the Holy Spirit is our guide for traveling this journey. He knows the thoughts and ways of God. Hence, our attitude should be to cooperate with the Holy Spirit to pray for the will of our Creator for our lives
Prayer – the Belief System – Whatever You Ask
Third, when it comes to prayer and attitude, God wants us to put our trust in Him. Mark 11:22-25 defines this as a system of trust. The opposite of trust (faith) is doubt. Faith, Hebrews 11:1, is putting your trust in God when you do not know. The LB (Living Bible) scripture states, it is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is certain that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead. Therefore, do not doubt that God will answer your prayer (James 1:6-8).
Fourth, our prayer attitude is connected to forgiveness (a hard place to be). Yes, forgiveness is another requirement. God does not expect us to tackle forgiveness without his help. A heart for God can bring us to forgiveness, even of those who seek your life, (Acts 7:59). Ask the Holy Spirit to help you forgive anyone that you have a grudge against. Why? Because you want forgiveness for your sins. Faith in Him!
Disobedience Limits the Blessings of Prayer
God is a good Father who chastises his children. He sets the standard. He honors obedience in his children. Disobedience will limit what God wants to do for us. He wants us to walk in his blessings because of faith in him. What happens when we refuse to listen? God will judge and only He is qualified to do so because He is the creator. For example, God told the prophet Jeremiah to stop praying for these people in this time of trouble; this is recorded in Jeremiah 11:14. Time and time again, God was merciful; yet the people did not heed the warnings that He gave. Whereas, they had to suffer the consequences of disobedience. Hence, “Did God not deal justly? Did not God set the standard of obedience?” Furthermore, in the natural, what is your take about obedience? Our attitude should be that “hard heads produce hard knocks.” God gives new mercy every day, but we are held accountable for what we do. If he did not love us, he would not chastise us. Blessed is His name!
A Loving Attitude in Prayer
A loving attitude in prayer boosts the relationship with God. Richard Foster said this about prayer. “It is an enduring, continuing, growing love relationship with the God of the universe.” To be effective is to invite a love response. God responds to us and we show our thanks toward Him. This love relationship establishes a pattern and grow us spiritually.
Father Andrew Greeley (1928-2013 in his book Love Affair: A Prayer Journal, casts God in the likeness of one who is excited about the love letters from His people. Imagine how your word of adoration is pleasing to the Creator. Dr. Robert Schuller (1926-2015), book entitled Positive Prayers for Power-Filled Living, continues to be one of inspiration and love for God.
Love Power, Lord! No problem is too big for your power. No person is too small for your love! Hallelujah! – Robert Schuller
Efferent (carrying out) Prayer
We invite you to view the attitude of prayer as a way to make you a healthier person. God wants to transform us toward His will. Through prayer, we gain access to Our Heavenly Father and speak His will. This is the efferent prayer that God wants: an attitude toward His will. We invite you to browse our blog posts which are meant for a healthy mind, body and spirit – God’s wellness plan is eternal.