Growing up I got caught up in that "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" mentality. One of the good things that came from it was that I started intentionally doing things for my future husband - specifically, writing him notes at various times and keeping them in a journal to give to him (and I'm excited to be able to give this to him.)
With that in mind, I decided to read the book "The Power of a Praying Wife" by Stormie Omartian as a wedding gift to him. I figure with Magnus' high regard for prayer, what better way to prepare for marriage then to learn to pray for him more effectively?
What I've learned through the first chapter of the book is it isn't really a gift for him, or not in the way I expected. Honestly, it's convicting me. You see, the intro and first chapter of the book relates to the pride we woman often feel in coming in prayer for our husbands (not married yet, but I can relate). We want to change him so he will do what we want. But prayer (and relationship) is not about that. It's about submitting to God, bringing our requests to him, but ultimately surrendering our control to God.
That's where it comes back to my pride. You see, I have so often taken pride in these things I have done or am doing. I can get quite arrogant about how great these things are and forget this simple truth - I need changing, my perspective needs to be realigned, as does my heart.
So as I continue in this journey in learning to pray for Magnus, I think the ultimate gift in this will be learning how much I need God to change me and my perspective. And isn't submitting oneself fully to God and maintaining the proper perspective the best gift for everyone you come in contact with?
Two thoughts, the first is about your previous post-- the things you talk about being convicted of are things that I realized I must also lay down before God, even though I don't 'have' to at the moment due to not having pain issues. (The 'entitlement to health' especially hit me hard.) If for no other reason, your pain is helping you, and me by association, see how much we depend on God alone for our satisfaction. So I really appreciate that Rachel. Second, I am reading this great book right now called "Prayer" by Ole Hallesby and wanted to know if you'd read it?
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