... wrote famous preacher Charles
Spurgeon. "It is as if a regiment of
soldiers should all fire off their guns anywhere. Possibly somebody would
be killed, but the majority of the enemy would be missed."
Here's a more recent quote on that same
thought: "How often have we prayed something like, 'O Lord, be
with cousin Billy now in a special way'?" writes media pastor
David Jeremiah. "Have we stopped to
consider what it is we're requesting? Imagine that you are a parent who
is preparing to leave your children with a babysitter. Would you dream of
saying, 'O Betsy, I ask you now that you would be with my children in a
special way?' No way.
"You would say, 'Betsy, the kids
need to be in bed by 9 p.m. They can have one snack before their baths,
and please make sure they finish their homework. You can reach us at this
number if there's any problem. Any questions before we go?'
"We are very specific with our
requests and instructions for our babysitters. We want them to know
specifics. It should be no different with prayer."
Of course, this "babysitter"
comparison isn't perfect -- we don't give "instructions" to
God when we pray. But each year, in our *Prayer Directory issue, our
missionaries try to present their requests as precisely as possible (with
limited space a factor). We need and appreciate every prayer for us in our
ministry.
This year, would you also consider
using the following "how to" guide as you pray for us?
