John Wooden Philosophies #7 – Jason Hirsch

7.  Pray For Guidance.

Last night @ EpicChurchLasVegas we held our monthly prayer gathering we call “The Furnace.”  Always a powerful time of worship & prayer. I was especially moved by the prayers of students & children.  I love hearing and seeing the faith of the younger generation activated.

Let me give you some quick quotes, and thoughts on prayer.  Don’t pray?  Why not? Prayer…… is dependence on God.  No prayer…… independence from God. The latter is frightening!

“The soil in which the prayer of faith takes root is a life of unbroken communion with God, a life in which the windows of the soul are always open towards the City of Rest.” David Martin Mac’ Intyre

“The ones who have most fully illustrated Christ in their character, and have most powerfully affected the world for Him, have been those who spend so much time with God as to make it a notable feature in their lives.” E.M. Bounds

If we are going to pray for guidance in our lives, we must first be given an understanding of prayer.  Let me use the bible as my template to help us.

First:  Prayer is a dialogue based upon our knowledge of God.

A great illustration from the bible is Moses and God.  Moses had been called by God to lead the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt.  It was not easy, and would require divine intervention at so many levels.  Here’s a little glimpse:

12 Moses said to the LORD, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’13 If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.” 14 The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Ex 33:12-14

Moses’ dialogue reveals what he knows of God, and what God wants, and his desire to know more of God.
I love this phrase, “You have been telling me, lead these people” V.12

Moses is clearly in a dialogue with God, and Moses knows enough about God to know that he can ask God for what he wants and needs.

Moses wants to know if he’s doing this alone, (knows he isn’t, but wants reassurance.)
Who are you sending with me? V.12

God responds with the ultimate answer: I will go with you.
”My presence will go with you.” V.14

Quick Thought:  We pray according to what we know and believe about God.

What do your prayers reveal about what you know and believe about God? (You pray as big as your God is.)

*  Do you ask for a parking spot at the mall?

*  Lord, give me a good day?

*  Or do you ask him to restore wrecked marriages, heal the sick, and grant people far from God will find  new life in Christ?

Second: Prayer is a process over time.

• Moses was 80 years old when having these conversations/prayer with God.

I thank God there is grace for us slow learners!!:)  But also the reality of needing to finally “get it”

Thirdly: A person of prayer doesn’t always accept the apparent answer.

10 Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation.” Ex 32:10

Moses didn’t accept God’s answer (it doesn’t fit God’s character — love). For Moses not to accept God’s answer, he must have really had a personal relationship with God. He must have really known the voice God.

• Who’s voice do you know?
• The one voice I can hear and discern anywhere/anytime  is my wife’s (Angel). How? I have spent years with her, and have learned to listen to her.
• As you schedule time/conversation/prayer with your Heavenly Father, you will grow to know and hear His voice.  He will give you guidance. Trust me!

Fourthly:  Prayer Tests Our Faith.

The great preacher – C.H Spurgeon said:

God is too good to be unkind,
He is too wise to be confused,
If I cannot trace his hand,
I can always trust his heart.

What will you ask (believe) God for? Specifically… what are you asking?

Fifthly:  Prayer transforms the person who prays.

29 When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Ten Commandments in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD. Ex 34:29

You cannot come face-to-face with God and not be changed!!!  To come into the presence of our living God is to be changed!!

Are you ready to be changed?  God, through the Bible, through your time of conversation/prayer with Him, by His Holy Spirit, will guide you daily, if you will not seek independence from Him. So……….set a daily meeting time with God, just like you would a good friend.  Then, start depending/trusting your Heavenly Father, because He loves it when His kids trust & depend on Him.  Get ready!!