Fuel Our Prayers

I recently read an article on prayer by Wayne Jacobsen, Director of Lifestream Ministries in Oxnard, California. He stated, "I remember praying through our finances, and though we had enough to supply our needs for the present, I was concerned about the long term. I trusted Him [God] enough for today, but kept praying that He would do something to take my anxiety away for tomorrow. But God didn't want me to trust in my savings or the state lottery for security, He wanted me to trust in Him."

Ever feel like Jacobsen? I have. As I have thought about this, I have concluded fear is the demise of prayer. Jesus said it this way in Matthew 21:22, "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." (NIV) Petitions of faith in God's love and confidence in His character will be more effective than those begging Him to relieve my discomfort. Let's fuel our prayers with trust rather than fear.