Effective Prayer

I know I can think too little of Father God and the Holy Spirit. I have been committed to practicing honesty as I stand before the Lord. I continue to pray for the heart of a child. I often have to confess pride or a lack of trust in Him, and then I pray, "Lord, help me in my unbelief." That type of simple honesty with myself and Jesus has been very healthy for my walk with Him. But the prayer that I hear occasionally at prayer meeting is one of pomp and pretense which negatively affects the whole group. Whether any one individual realizes it or not, many drift out of the presence of God. I feel it first with myself and then it is apparent with others in the group.

It seems the next couple prayers offered are weak or also religious sounding. I sigh a quick prayer for help and recently even prayed out loud, "Father God, help us to pray as You want us to pray and ask what You want us to ask." Then prayer picks up again and the saints pray petitions as one who stands before the Lord.

Recently, I sense I am to say something to a particular brother. Though all will have to be very clear and sure before I do. But when he prays, I invariably, and almost immediately, am jolted into my little space and out of the Holy of Holies.

I have been praying for this individual since our week of prayer and fasting. I have spoken a word of encouragement to him that I finally felt sure it was what Father God had for me to give to him but it got worse. A couple days ago, this brother in the Lord read from Scripture, "Search me oh God and know my heart." I don't remember if he prayed beyond that but it has become my prayer for him to see how he hides his pride and unbelief behind this pious religiosity.

I am afraid my flesh would enjoy saying something savory to this brother so I keep to myself. I am getting to the place where I am wanting him set free from this blind spot and not care so much for him to change so I wouldn't have to endure his dead prayers. For his sake, it would be best for me to genuinely care about him and start praying God use someone else to help him recognize the shortcoming but that could just be a cop out. In the meantime, I continue to pray for him and keep my mouth shut.

My soul, seek God while He may be found and listen not to the lies of the enemy. Trust God with the heart of a child and believe Him. My soul, think not too little of our creator. Give Him a chance to prove Himself mighty on my behalf. It is time to lay hold of all He has for me in the authority vested in me by Jesus. May I represent Him well and use the gifts He has given me to His glory and not shy away from speaking the truth in love. An honest wound inflicted in love is better than cowardly disobeying God. I am still hoping He will take care of it without me speaking a word. I shall stand firm in my resolve.