Vending machines are a wonderful invention. In 1822, English publisher Richard Carlile built a machine that would dispense banned books and other works. In the early 1880s, coin-operated machines were invented by Percival Everitt, his machine gave patrons stationery supplies like envelopes and postcards. However, these were not the first vending machines. According to our friend Google, the first recorded example of a simple vending machine was invented by a Greek mathematician, Hero of Alexandria. His machine dispensed holy water in Egyptian temples.
Enough history.
I have seen vending machines that dispense everything from candy and cookies to shoes and electronics. I have even seen cars in vending machines. The concept is simple. Put in some money, make a selection, and poof! out comes the requested item.
How many of us treat prayer like God's vending machine? I only have to ask for something (my selection), use the phrase "in Jesus' name" (the money), and my selection will soon arrive. After all, Jesus did say that whatever we ask in His name, He would do it (John 14:14). Sometimes we do not even have to ask in His name. When Jesus taught the disciples to pray, He said nothing about praying in Jesus' name: "give us this day our daily bread" (Matt. 6:9-13, Luke 11: 2-4). Later in the same chapter in Luke, Jesus went on to say that if you ask for something, it will be given to you (Luke 11:9-10).
So, no, there are no magic words or special formulas when we are petitioning God for something.
God, the Lord Jesus Christ, loves us more than we can possibly comprehend. He only wants the best for us; however, if what we are asking for is not in God's will, the answer will be no! Jesus prayed that He would not have to die for our sins - let this cup pass from Me - but He also prayed for His Father's will to be done, not His (fleshly) will (Matthew 26:39-42).
Thank God, Praise His Holy Name, that prayer was answered "no."
If we let Him, God will give us more than we ever imagined possible. Sometimes, the blessing is the way we imagined, but often, it is nothing like we thought it would be. Trust Him!
Praying is talking to the God of the universe. It is personal communication with the Living God. When you pray, you never have to wonder if God hears you (Proverbs 15:29, James 5:16) or understands you (Romans 8:26). You do not need flowery words, you do not need to assume a specific position, and you do not even have to close your eyes. You just need to talk to Him, He wants to hear from you!
Heavenly Father
Thank You for letting us come before you to talk with you,
to pour out our hurts, triumphs, petitions, and worries.
As we come before you in humble praise, thanksgiving, and adoration, help us to remember
You are our Abba, Father; we are Your adopted children.
Help us also remember that You are the Holy God,
the Creator and Sustainer of life.
Help us never to forget your Holiness and Awesomeness
Forgive us when we reduce You to a vending machine.
We love you Jesus, Amen
😍🥰💕💕
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