Christian Living

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Strange Prayer Request
© 2010

by

Stephen A. Peterson


During the Battle for the Iraqi city, Fallujah, a Marine Private realizes he is surrounded on all sides by heavily armed foreign fighters who engage him in fierce combat. As members of his platoon fall, the Private prays, “Dear Lord Jesus, the last time I bothered You for anything was five years ago in high school, but today I really and truly need Your help right now! Would you please get me outta this terrible mess alive and I swear, Lord; I won’t bother You again for at least ten years!”

Even though this is a very serious situation, the Marine’s prayer request might make us laugh or question his relationship to God. His prayer seems so ridiculous even outlandish. When we pray we never bother or harass God. Rather than think of prayer as a bother to God, we might consider what our prayer life is really like and begin by asking ourselves a few questions. Are we really sincere? Do we only look to God when we are in trouble? Or when we want something from God we really don’t deserve?

Christ, who told humanity He is God, told us to ask at anytime day or night for what you need or want from your Heavenly Father. Because He always has your best interest. In the future when you catch yourself trying to push your will on God or looking for quick answers, or complaining that events aren’t working out according to your way, stop and listen to the kind of prayer you and sending God’s way. Is your prayer demanding, arrogant, or an attempt to hold God hostage? How about sending God a lot more praise and thanks for the hundreds of things and blessings He has already given you. And how about it if you stop, relax and listen every so often. You’d be surprise what God really has given you and what more great things He also has in store for you.

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