Devotional
for the week—19 February 2007
Three
Aspects of Prayer—Prayer as a Petition
Sermon Text: 1
Samuel 1: 1 – 20, 26 - 28
The
Mindset of “I can do it and I don’t need God.”
The advancement of modern technology has allowed us to take many
leaps and bounds in terms of shortening distance and maximizing
time. Indeed society has accomplished great things through technological
achievements and pride has crept into our society to make them
feel that they are capable of doing things by their own abilities.
Thus mankind looks upon himself and say “why do I need God
for?”
Prayer
that comes from barren moments
When things are not going well and we are desperate, then only
do we look up to God for help. Prayer is sadly the last, if not
one of the last resort (s) to many of us. This defies the biblical
commandment to pray unceasingly.
Hannah
and Peninnah: Two sides of God’s chosen people of today
Hannah and Peninnah illustrate the two faces of today’s
chosen people. Peninnah is blessed with many children and yet
there is no record of thanksgiving prayers, but instead shows
a malicious heart as she taunts Hannah for not having any children.
In contrast, Hannah is barren and in the bitterness of soul (v
16) prays to God for help. When God gave her one child, she gives
thanks to God.
Why
people do not pray regularly
There are two top reasons for this –
Firstly,
the false understanding of prayer. They do not
understand how prayer works; they treat God like a vending machine.
They keep going to God when they receive what they want, but when
they do not get what they want – they stop praying.
Secondly, they do not think that prayer does anything
(it is only words) and would rather depend on their own actions.
People who do not pray see prayer as a weakling response in life.
These people despise offers to pray for them because they depend
on physical actions over prayers. They are in danger of discarding
prayer and building up in themselves self-reliance. We should
have the correct understanding of prayer so that it would motivate
us to pray.
Prayer
is Petition
The word ‘Petition’ is defined in the Miriam Webster
dictionary as ‘to make a request’. We read that Daniel
(Dan 6:11-12; Queen Esther (Esther 5: 6, 8); and Queen Bathsheba
(1 Kings 2: 22-24) made petitions. We find that petitions were
made either between God and a person or a King and his subjects.
Someone of lower status makes a request from someone of higher
statue.
Prayer
in right perspective = Right placing of God and us
Prayer
as a petition puts us in our place.
Prayer
as a petition puts God in His rightful place.
The
willful demanding prayers of must-givers have no place in the
concept of prayer – that God must grant all our prayers.
Three
realities about ourselves
a) I cannot
Hannah decides to go to God instead of anyone else because she
knew that only God could help her. She was unable to do it herself.
b) I need
She requested only for her need, not for her wants. She knew that
only God could provide for her.
c) I believe
She went to God knowing that God cares for her
Realities
about God
Hannah’s prayer illustrates two realities about God.
a) God can
Hannah’s prayer shows her faith in His power to help her
if He so wishes to.
b) Please consider
Hannah had the understanding that God could decide not to help
her, not to grant her request if He so decided. After all, prayer
is not about us getting everything we need. We have a God who
has wisdom and knows what is best for us.
The
giving of Samuel
We may wonder why Hannah gave up Samuel back to God. She knew
that God was the source of happiness not the child.
Why
we pray
We pray because it is really all about God. It is about meeting
our Sovereign King, trusting Him and knowing that we are safe
and being taken care of in whatever way He decides to answer our
request.
Prayer
Reponse
Dear Lord Jesus, I thank you that I am able to come to you with
my petitions. I know that you are a caring and loving God. You
know my needs even before I ask you, but you take delight in me
asking you. I know that you will grant me my petitions according
to your will not mine as your wisdom is far greater than mine.
Amen
Devotional
based on a message by Rev Joel Yong