God’s Favourite

We have a standing joke (I think!) about who is the favourite child in our family. I remember one mothers response to this was that her favourite was the one who had the greatest need of her at that time. It got me thinking about how we might perceive our prayers to be valued by God. Do we think the prayers of a Priest or a Bishop or an Archbishop or Pope might be more valuable to God than our own?  

And if this was the case does it mean that God has favourites and might then not be following the recommended parental advice?!  Or rather might God answer just as that mother did ‘it is the ones who currently need me most that have my special attention’?  Ministers do have a special calling to pray for others* and the world, but as children of God, which we all are, God I am sure lovingly and equally welcomes each and every one of our prayers and chats.

My three top tips on prayer: 

1. Make them heartfelt:  ‘Why? Noo! Sorry. Please. Thank-you. Groan. Silence.’ Are all fine.
2. Be expectant of seeing God answer in unexpected ways: In the clouds, through another, a bible passage, a message, an angel…
3. Be prepared to be the answer to what you ask for: If you pray for peace, be peaceful in your relationships. If you pray for people to be kinder to you, be kinder to others. If you pray for a loved one, tend and love them. 

There is a great line from Morgan Freeman in Evan Almighty where a wife prays for patience. Morgan Freeman as God answers ‘Do you think when you ask God for patience he makes you more patient or rather gives you opportunities to practice being more patient’! 
 
May God bless the prayers of your heart,

*If you would like to chat or ask for prayer in confidence, please do contact me
 
Nikki
 
Come and Sing!! Sunday 4 August 10.30am Burrough Green Church 
Favourite hymn?  Let Anthea Kenna know, with a little note as to why
www.raddesley.com 

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