Power of Prayer

At church the past 2 Sundays we have begun studying prayer.  Today's sermon could not have been more perfect for what Uncle Louie is needing and what many of us are going through.  Our sermon was about the "press of life."  The "press of life" he spoke of was anytime you are rejected, betrayed, lonely, loss, fearful, have pain, or despair.  It is the time when we need prayer the most, but we are unsure how to.  There were 6 main points that Teddy spoke on: 

1. Never go into the place of suffering alone-ask those who love you to pray for you.
2. Find a special place to humble yourself and be alone with God.  
3. Tell the Father your heartfelt needs and desires.
4. Always remember to pray, "THY WILL BE DONE."
5. Pray often and a lot to get your will aligned with God's will.
6. Don't stop praying until you can face the matter with faith and trust in God's sovereignty. 

There were two points that spoke the most to me.  Number 4....that even if we pray and pray for something, end the end it is what God wants that will be done.  I say this with a heavy heart, in that I want more than anything Uncle Louie to pull through all this; however if God needs him to move on....that is what will happen.  After reading the last up date on his liver I am worrisome that his will is coming.  I just hope that God will give Louie the strength to make it in for that bowel surgery.  The other point that really came to me (number 6) was that we must pray on this until we can face it with faith and trust.  It is often that one will pray until they feel it is enough...but really it is not until you are able to face in with faith and trust that it will be time to stop praying.  

The first point speaks the most to me with Louis Buzek (Uncle Louie) in mind.  It is hard for one person to pray and pray and pray.  However, when you know others are surrounding you and praying with you, you are more capable.  I know that everyone is praying together for Uncle Louie and Greg, which is what helps give you more strength to continue.  I am thankful to be praying with you all.  

I have really been enjoying this sermon series over pray.  I also loved the ending quote Teddy left us with.  "It's okay to be sad, emotional and anxious when you're in "the press."  Sometimes God gets us out of the "the press," but most often He gets us through it!"