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Stop, Drop, & Pray!

11/4/2016

11 Comments

 
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FACT:  when I pray to God, I’m not telling Him anything new.  After all, “…your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask Him!” (cf. Matthew 6:8 / NLT)

Okay, so I don’t know of any other way to share this with you, than to just tell you.  So, here goes.
 
So, yesterday I was in a mental fog.  I’m sorry if that seems dramatic; however, that’s exactly what it feels like.  I was very overwhelmed with thoughts of ministry, planning for 2017, starting a new sermon series, house hunting with my wife, promotion of the blog, the events of the weekend, and a host of other things. 
 
I don’t know about you, but when I find myself in this space, I literally become inept.  In other words, when I have that much going on in my mind, I’m not sure if you can relate, but I literally find it hard to figure out what my first step is.  Thus, there adds another problem. 
 
For you see, on top of all that I have, now I have to actually figure out how to get going.  WHAT?!
 
But, I know this season.  I’ve been here before.  It’s when I don’t want to get out of bed.  It’s when any new task (even if it’s small) literally takes all the wind out of my sail.  I become irritable, short, insensitive, and distant (a host of characteristic that make being a preacher just a little bit challenging.)
 
So, what did I do?  Well, I got up, got in the shower, and as the water ran over me, I began to pray. 
 
Shameful (yet honest) confession:  I didn’t pray my common morning prayer.  I don’t know if you have one, but I’m noticing that I do.  However, not today. 
 
Today, I began to tell God what I told you.  I told Him I was overwhelmed, disoriented, and that I didn’t know what to do.  I told Him (and myself) that in the midst of all of this, I hadn’t forgotten who He was.  I reminded myself that He has been my strength for a mighty long time.  He’s aided me before, and that I knew He would aid me today.
 
For those who are here seeking God, I want you to know that this post-prayer feeling is life.  This feeling reminds me of exactly what prayer is all about.
 
FACT:  when I pray to God, I’m not telling Him anything new.  After all, “…your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask Him!” (cf. Matthew 6:8 / NLT) 
 
Do you know what that means?  That means, He knew I was in a bad space.  Even before I prayed, God knew I was frustrated, overcome, and that I needed His help.  And, after the prayer, I felt it was all better.  I knew I wasn’t alone.  I knew He had my back.  I knew with God, this was going to be okay. 
 
So here’s the question:  if He knew that’s where I was all along, why not just go ahead and help me?  I mean, He saw me when I woke up… BECAUSE HE woke me up.  He saw me dealing with the troubles of the day, He knew I needed His help, and He elected to allow for me to remain there, until my shower prayer. 
 
And to that I ask, “Why God?”
 
Well, I don’t claim to hear His voice; however, I trust His Spirit.  And I perceive the Spirit saying this…
 
“Kevin, prayer has nothing to do with you INFORMING God about anything.  Rather, prayer is where YOU LEARN to TRUST God with EVERYTHING.”
 
And the whole church said, Amen. 
 
Your thoughts?
 
Imperfectly,
 
Kevin D. Jones, Sr.
@kevindjonessr
11 Comments
Ma
11/4/2016 09:51:23 am

Oh my goodness. Amen! I need improvement in my prayer life. I most time say my regular short prayers throughout the day. Yes God knows what we have need of before we pray for it. But He wants us talk to him. Heard this sermon Sunday from a young man. How he wanted these Nike shoes for school but he got the light up bottoms. He was so hurt and embarrassed that he didn't get them. His granny knew he wanted them, but he did not open his mouth and ask her for what he wanted exactly. She told him "I knew what you wanted, but because you did open your mouth because of pride I didn't get the shoes you wanted". All the boy had to do was ask. That is all God wants us to do is Ask Him, tell Him about it, and Trust him that whatever the answer. It is best for us. Thanks for post. I need to be encouraged to talk to him more, to just lay it all out

Reply
K. Jones, Sr.
11/4/2016 10:50:31 am

What a word! I love that. Thanks for that post Ma.

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Jock McRay
11/4/2016 12:11:43 pm

Sir Minister Bro. Jones...Jock here. Question: Would you concur with the fact that, or do you believe, that prayer is not just only a communication with God, but a transformation also? A tool...an instrument to make us new by and by with thee hopes of growing closer to God transformationally though?

Reply
K. Jones, Sr.
11/4/2016 01:46:35 pm

I'm not sure if I'm answering your question correctly; however, here goes. I believe that the core purpose of prayer is to change us. It's deeper than communication, it's the development of trust. It's the way we determine who we can confide in. As we gain confidence in the person, we are more open to deeper communication. I perceive prayer to be the same way. I hope I answered your question. Thanks for the post.

Reply
Jock McRay
11/4/2016 01:52:35 pm

Without a doubt! Thanks so much...be blessed, Bro. Jones!

Jackie B.
11/4/2016 08:52:27 pm

Kevin,
WOW, this was such a blessing for me to read today. I have also been under a great deal of stress, and this is exactly what I needed to hear. Blessings to you, your family and your congregation.
Jackie B.
Austin, TX

Reply
K. Jones, Sr.
11/5/2016 12:50:53 am

Thanks so much for the encouragement!!! Praying blessings on you & yours also!

Reply
Debbie Kudehinbu
11/5/2016 06:23:18 am

For me, those are the prayers I feel most connected with God. It's not a rehearsed prayer but a heart to heart connection with God. I pour out my heart and soul to him! I literally feel him and I can feel all the heaviness being lifted off of my shoulders. At that moment I recognize that He is and will always be there with/for me.

Reply
K. Jones, Sr.
11/5/2016 01:34:48 pm

That is what it's all about! Excellent word Debbie.

Reply
Minnie Thornton
11/5/2016 11:40:49 am

This one brought tears to my eyes. Guilty as charged. God has done some "Awesome," things in my life, yet there are times when my " little mind" forgets this FACT...Thank you..

Reply
K. Jones, Sr.
11/5/2016 01:35:13 pm

You are not alone my sis. Thanks for your sharing.

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    Kevin D. Jones, Sr.

    I'm just an imperfect guy, serving a Perfect God, and doing my best to share Him with everyone I can.

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