To Whom Should We Pray?

Last night I had one of those rare instances where I actually had a mental conversation with God.  As with many my age, I frequently wake up in the middle of the night, perhaps several times.  On one of those instances last night I was thinking about the upcoming Prayer Meeting the next day.  As I thought about this, I also thought of how some people always address their prayer to the Father while others pray to Jesus.  Mentally I said to God, "To whom should we pray?"  Amazingly enough I got an instant answer.  In my mind God clearly said, "It depends on what you're asking for."  That thought had never entered my mind, so I asked God to elaborate on it...and He did.  "If you are asking for protection, provision or blessing" God said, "ask Me.  But If you are asking for redemption, healing or guidance, ask Jesus who died for your redemption, who was known as The Great Physician and who said that He was the Good Shepherd.  However, if you are asking for understanding of scripture or trying to remember what Jesus said regarding a particular subject or wondering if you have sin in your life or needing power to share the gospel, ask the Holy Spirit."  I was blown away!  As I drifted back to sleep I was replaying this conversation in my head.  Unlike a dream, which I can't remember in the morning, I woke up today with the conversation still very clear.  I shared this with my morning Prayer Group, and now share it with you.  Hopefully it will rejuvenate your prayer life.  I know that I'll never pray the same way again.

Comments

kenpatrickkp said…
Bill...this is outstanding and so clear. It makes total sense. I have never thought of praying any other way than "in Jesus's name". thank you for giving me new perspective on how to pray...
September 23, 2020 at 2:41 PM
Kim Osborn said…
Thank you for sharing this!
September 23, 2020 at 8:10 PM
Unknown said…
I agree, all though I had not really given it any thought. I know that I do pray at times to the Holy Spirt, God the Father, or Christ and I guess it is the Holy Spirt directing me as to who to direct a specific prayer. Thanks.

Your "dream" reminds me of an instance I had a couple of months ago. I was deeply concerned with the situation with my son. As I was driving home from work I thought I heard music and singing. I listened closely thinking it was something near but it continued as I drove a couple of miles. The music became clearer and I began to sing along with it. The music and singing I was hearing was "It is well with my soul." I think God was telling me everything would be OK. Not there yet, but I have a little more peace.
September 23, 2020 at 8:16 PM
Ed Algreen said…
I had a couple friends put up an argument with me some time ago because I addressed God in a portion of my prayer on my blog. They tried to convince me that one could only pray to Jesus. So this is extremely interesting, in light of what I encountered with my friends! Thanks so much for sharing Brother Cole!
September 24, 2020 at 8:04 AM
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