Seeing God at Work In Our Life
This mid-week reflection focuses on prayer along with biblical wisdom. Talking to God through prayer is an incredible privilege and a powerful way to connect with God! The Bible encourages us to bring all of our requests before Him (Philippians 4:6-7). It also says in Hebrews 4:16, “Let us approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of needs.” This study will explore the importance of prayer, the practice of recording our prayers, and the necessity of knowing God’s wisdom in our prayers.
The Importance of Remembering What We Ask
One of the most helpful practices we can utilize in our spiritual journey is to record our prayers. This can have a profound effect on our faith when we keep track of prayers and can see how God has responded over the weeks, month, and years. Psalm143:5 tells us to “remember the days long ago and reflect on all that You have done.” Most of us would be astounded to see how many prayers were being answered throughout our life. But we must also accept that sometimes we won’t always see the answer on this side of eternity.
1 John 5:14-15 reads, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have what we asked of him. Within this verse it says “according to his will.” Our prayers and requests must align with God’s revealed character as found in the Bible. If what we petition is beneficial to us as part of God’s plan, then it will happen. We typically just don’t know when, but we do know he hears us and will help.
When we bring a request before God, especially when seeking wisdom, it is beneficial to write it down and put a date beside it. This practice serves multiple purposes:
- Memory Aid: Our memories can be fleeting. Writing down our prayers helps us remember what we have asked God for.
- Faith Builder: When we look back and see how God has answered our prayers, it strengthens our faith and trust in Him.
- Testimony: Our recorded prayers and their answers can serve as a testimony to others about God’s faithfulness and wisdom.
Noticing God’s Answer
God responds to our prayers in His perfect timing. It could be a week, month, or even years down the road. But when we see how he has answered, it can be a powerful reminder of His presence in our lives. Pastor Jim said, “some day you might look back at a prayer you wrote down on June 30th, 2024, and realize that God has answered it in ways you couldn’t have imagined. This realization can lead to moments of awe and gratitude, as we witness God’s wisdom and timing come to life.” Many of these instances can only be seen in hindsight and it is then we begin to understand how God has been working in our life.
Studying Scripture with Intent
Studying scripture and praying should be an active and intentional practice. Proverbs 2:1-5 says:
“My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of not just reading but actively seeking and applying God’s wisdom. It urges us to dig deep into scripture and find the wisdom contained there.
Putting Wisdom into Action
James 1:22 reminds us: “Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves… Do what it says.”
It is one thing to study and learn God’s word, but it is another to put it into practice! As Jim emphasized the previous week, wisdom is not just about knowledge; it is about applying the knowledge. This can also help us keep our prayers in alignment with God’s will. Following are some practical ways to put God’s wisdom into action:
- Reflect and Apply: After studying a passage, take time to reflect on how it applies to your life. What changes do you need to make? How can you live out this wisdom in your daily actions?
- Pray for Guidance: Ask God to help you apply His wisdom. Pray for the strength and courage to make necessary changes.
- Take Action: Implement the changes you have identified. This could be in your relationships, work, or personal habits.
- Share with Others: Share the wisdom you have gained with others. This can be through conversations, teaching, or simply living out the principles in a way that others can see.
Discussion Questions About Prayer
- Have you ever experienced a moment when you realized God answered a prayer you had forgotten about? How did it impact your faith?
- What are some ways you can incorporate the practice of recording your prayers into your daily routine?
- How do you actively seek and apply God’s wisdom in your prayers and life? Can you think of an example?
- How do you feel when God does not give a quick or clear answer to a request?
Final Thoughts
Growing in faith is a continuous process of seeking, learning, applying God’s wisdom and being persistent in prayer. By recording our prayers, studying scripture with intent, and putting wisdom into action, we can grow closer to God. Remember that God’s wisdom is not just for knowledge; it is for transformation. And when we bring requests before God, we should remember what pleases Him and practice patience with trust.
Let’s Pray
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your wisdom and the guidance you provide through your Word. Help us to remember the many times you have answered our prayers, often in ways unexpected. Help us to accept whatever your answer is and to learn patience in the process. May our lives be a testimony of your faithfulness and care. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes invites you to join us in this Sunday. Together, we can experience God’s Grace and share the love of Jesus with those around us.
