My Half-Hearted Fight

There has been one big theme in my time with God the past week or two. The theme was prayer, not just the occasional prayer, something more.
So these are a few separate thoughts on the same subject.

*One of the first things God pointed out to me, was how often my prayers were centered around myself. I'm good at coming to God with my problems, but not as good at coming to Him fighting for other people. When you're sick or going through a rough time and other people know about it you often hear people telling you they're praying for you. I know for me, I sometimes wonder if they really do. How often do I pray...no FIGHT...for people when I say i'm praying for them? Now, I'm not admitting to not praying for people when I say i am, i'm saying that i'm not praying my best. I must admit I will say a quick prayer, but I'm not really fighting for them. I cry out to God when things are wrong with me, but I rarely cry out to God for others. Ahh this is horrible. Once again proving how very selfish I am.

*I've come to realize how little faith I have when praying. I'm so worried about God deciding not to answer my prayers, that I pretty much leave a "loop hole"... for example "God if it's your plan, please heal so and so." See that isn't me having great faith, that's me hoping, not believing.
The thing that rings louder in my head is "sometimes God's answer to our prayers is a no" I remember this WAY too much. I must say, it has actually affected the way I aproach God with things big, or small. Yes, sometimes God's answer is sometimes no, but sometimes His answer is Yes!
Jesus says if we believe that our prayers will be answered, they will!
Mark 11:24 "...Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have recieved it, and it will be yours."
A little faith can move mountains... I've got to start believing and trusting God to be in control.
Not believing in God to answer your prayers is discrediting His power.

* I've also noticed that I need to examine my motives for the prayers I pray. God is not a genie, so He isn't going to grant my wishes- so, yes He will answer no. If I pray with pure motives, I will recieve. All I have to do is ask!

I know that was a lot of stuff, and if you actually read it sweet...if you skimmed through I don't blame you. =]

What are you're thoughts?
-Are you praying as much as you say you are?
-Are you fighting more for yourself or for others?
-Do you pray excpecting God to answer you?
-Are your motives pure?

I'm not expecting you to like turn in answers for the questions or anything. Just wanted to get you involved in my blog and get you thinking. If you want to share...sweet, if not...it's all good. :]

living hxc
riley