B2B Concert of Prayer – Vending Machine #735

CONCERT OF PRAYER Pray Week 735

“Vending Machine”

Mark 1:35 (ESV) And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.
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Recently I encountered a man who refused an offer to pray for him although he was in obvious physical distress. His reason for refusing prayer was that ‘prayer does not work’. In reflecting on this event it almost seems as if there is an ‘Out of Order’ sign hung on some people’s relationship with Jesus Christ much like one would hang such a sign on a vending machine.

We approach a vending machine with a desire or a need. We may have a thirst or hunger. We pay the required amount of money and follow the ritual to push all the right buttons. The vending machine is then supposed to give us what we desire. When it does not, we say ‘It does not work’. How many of us approach prayer to God as if He were a vending machine? We have a desire and choose the ‘vending machine’ that can satisfy that desire. Do you find yourself praying to different idols: patron saints, other people, etc. instead of to Father God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ?

“You shall have no other gods before me. – Exodus 20:3

We pay the required amount and follow the instructions to make our selection and then expect that our need will be immediately satisfied. Do you bring your tithes and offerings to the church as payment for God’s provision and favor or out of obedience to His Word and trust in Him? Do you attend church services and follow religious feast days, rituals, and routines, again in an attempt to remain in good graces with God? God’s favor and blessings are not for sale. He is not in the protection racket.

… all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. – Isaiah 64:6

…we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ … because by works of the law no one will be justified. – Gal 2:16

Oswald Chambers asks a probing question of our prayer motives: “Think of the last thing you prayed about – were you devoted to your desire or to God?” When we are more devoted to our desire and that desire is not immediately satisfied (vending machine jams or fails to fulfill your selection) then we say ‘Prayer does not work’ and we hang an ‘Out of Order’ sign on our relationship with God. Our prayers must not be a ritual of telling God what we want Him to do and how to do it and when it is to be done.

…your Father knows what you need before you ask him – Matt 6:8

The purpose of prayer is to grow closer in our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Close relationships require person to person conversation. Close relationships build trust, intimacy, friendship, and love. Get to know your Father’s heart. Continue to pray and converse with Him about how you feel. Tell Him how much you appreciate and love Him. Reflect on the fact that He became man in the person of Jesus Christ and gave His life so that you can have eternal life. Meditate on His Word and hear Him speak comfort to your heart. Worship Him in prayer.

In the proper motive and frame of mind and spirit, Prayer does work. May you grow in your devotion and desire for God’s presence through prayer. May you grow in your trust and faith in His love. May you seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and enjoy the peace and power for living that comes through His abiding presence in your heart.

Close in prayer, thanksgiving & dedication of your work to the glory of God

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