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How could this Cat prayer be changed to focus on God's glory?
"God, I'm finally up for the big promotion I've been working so hard to get. It's now between me and two other people. I've given up so much for this - family time, rest time and worked over-time for them to see how valuable I can be to this company. This is the opportunity that will finally get me some of the things I've wanted... a little more recognition, a lot more influence and maybe then my family will finally recognize that I amounted to something important!"
Here's what we think:
Dog Prayer: God, I can't help but wonder if this is the time you've prepared for me. I've tried to work hard, be a person of character and not do anything that would bring rebuke on you. I know you raised Joseph from the prison to the palace and David from the fields to the throne... You can do anything You want! I'm just a pawn, but I desire to be Your pawn. If you choose to raise me up or keep me in the wings - that's OK with me, I just want to be flexible and moveable according to anything that pleases you. If I'm anything to this company, it's only because I've tried to use your gifting in me to its greatest potential.
Our Analysis
It can be difficult to surrender to the will of God - especially when it might differ from what we want. The first prayer shows that quite plainly... it's a prayer based on a desire for personal gain and personal recognition and shows no sign of allowing God to move as He might want. In effect, it assumes that what the person wants is obviously God's will. In contrast, the second prayer submits to the will and desire of God... allowing God to move them as He wills and shows a contentment with whatever positions God places them. It acknowledges God's ability to move men from one position to another, but seeks to honor God in whatever position and timing that may entail.
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