I just started reading John Gardner’s James Bond novel “Win, Lose or Die.” First, I know it seems odd for a priest to indulge in such a “worldly” piece of fiction, but then God did not have to come into the world as Jesus Christ and save the world, either. I could go so far as to recite John 3:16: “For God so loved the WORLD…” but that would be too obvious. Second, too much disconnection sounds too Pharisaical for me, in any case. Anyway, “Win, Lose or Die” seemed a captivating title, since a relationship with God always ends with those choices – and I should know that now, more than ever. Oh, and third: I would think the novel finishes with a happy ending for Bond, just like the outcome of correct prayer.
Asking God for anything in prayer and in Jesus’ name always seems straightforward, until you start factoring in the fact that even Jesus asked God for a Plan B in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39) when God answered, but Jesus accepted His destiny and purpose-driven death anyway. God knew that Jesus’ death would save the world from Hell, so it was a no-brainer, unless you were Jesus at the time. The key to answered prayer is to prioritize. Start with asking God what He wants (knowing that God IS God – all-knowing, so He knows what you want and what’s best for you; all-powerful, so He can put his foot where His mouth is; loving, so there’s no better Person to talk to, etc. etc.), and going from there (Psalm 37:4).
BTW, saying a thousand “Our Father”s won’t help if you can recite it in your sleep. If you were in front of God, would you think He’ll take you seriously if you asked him a question or favor sleepily or absentmindedly?
Greetings
Royal Priests are everywhere. Any believer of Jesus the Christ our Lord and Savior is called to priesthood. Any heart that is restless and breaks free in small bursts of grace, any soul that persists under pressure, any mind that ponders the vastness of the glory of God is a Royal Priest.
Not to take too much of the spotlight, but this blog is my part in the story, indeed The Greatest Story Ever Written - the story of God and mankind. Though the holy fire has been doused somewhat with my reunion with the world, the embers are here - with the hope that you, dear reader, might have enough to light your way. Remember, Our Lord is always with us...even in everyday moments. Nothing is so "real" that it loses its spiritual side. If you need anything, know that His Door is always open and His Light is always on. May God bless you always, my friend.
Answer the call, and begin the adventure of your life.
Royal References & Recommendations
- Websites - Godsblogs.org, Godspeaks.com, Desiringgod.org, Multnomahbooks.com
- Music - Jars of Clay, DC Talk, The Fighting Temptations OST, Don Moen, Ron Kenoly, Hillsong
- Movies - The Passion of the Christ, The Greatest Story Ever Told, Barabbas, The Ten Commandments, The Gospel of John, The Prince of Egypt, Joseph: King of Dreams
- Books - Experiencing The Heart of Jesus Books 1 & 2 by Max Lucado, The Pleasures of God by John Piper, The Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren, God's Blogs by Lanny Donoho, Gods of Power by David M. Steyne
