A missionary wrote a newsletter to thank his supporters who have become "prayer warriors" (prayer warriors). However, due to a typo, he called them "prayer worriers". This description may be true for some of us.
In his book Growing Your Soul, Neil Wiseman writes, "Prayer should not simply reiterate disillusioned worries or struggles over our problems. It should go beyond the gloomy despair, which is so often associated with pain and disappointment."
As long as I was worried, I became a "prayer worrier". I like to whine, "Lord, don't let my neighbors bother me tomorrow." Or, "Father, don't let those bad people spread rumors about me."
However, then God taught me to pray for others, instead of against others. So my prayer changed, "Lord, bless and strengthen my neighbor. Help him to feel your love." Then I look forward to what God will do. Turns out, God's amazing answer not only helped others, but also healed my own worries!
Paul was not a "worrier of prayer". He prayed that God's church would know the power, love, and fullness of God, who can do much more than we ask or think (Ephesians 3:14-21). Such conviction made Paul a true "prayer fighter". Is your prayer like that? --Joanie Yoder
* Take from Daily Reflections