Convo with Pastor - 2 Chronicles 6:1, 36-39

H O W   T O   H E A R   T H E   V O I C E   O F   G O D

Too many people say that "they try and try, but can't hear God."

For the next several days, I want to share with you a technique

I've learned from T. W. Hunt in "The Disciples Prayer Life."

It's a three-step process: 1) read a passage of scripture,

2) ask "What God is saying to me?" (each day I'll give fewer hints),

3) pray, "What I am saying to God?" (reflecting what God said to you).

　

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE

1 Then Solomon prayed ... 36 "If they sin against you -- and who has never sinned? -- you may become angry with them and let their enemies conquer them and take them captive to a foreign land far or near. 37 But in that land of exile, they may turn to you again in repentance and pray, 'We have sinned, done evil, and acted wickedly.' 38 Then if they turn to you with their whole heart and soul and pray toward the land you gave to their ancestors, toward this city you have chosen, and toward this Temple I have built to honor your name, 39 then hear their prayers from heaven where you live. Uphold their cause and forgive your people who have sinned against you." --- 2 Chronicles 6:1,36-39

WHAT GOD IS SAYING TO ME?

1. VERSE 36 - We all sin.
2. VERSE 36-37 - Sin has consequences.
3. VERSE 37-38 - Repentance includes "turn[ing] to [God] with [our] whole heart."
4. VERSE 39 - When we repent, God will "uphold [our] cause and forgive" our sins.

WHAT I AM SAYING TO GOD?

some intentionally left blank ... for you to fill in!

1. VERSE 36 - Acknowledge your sins: this is too public of a forum to detail them ... but in general terms - worry, fear, distrust, pride / stubbornness, lack of faith, gluttony, sloth ...
2. VERSE 36-37 - Some consequences have been loss of friendships, poor health, less income due to not working enough, running off people, 
3. VERSE 37-38 - Turn to God with your whole heart: I don't know if I can ... or if I know how ... 
4. VERSE 39 - Oh God - please forgive me for breaking your heart. Especially for being so stubborn and not trusting you.  
5. additional prayers For the pilgrims and team that just returned from Via de Cristo ... please give us all rest and peace as we return to our lives.  Surround us with your angels and protect us from attacks from the evil one.  May we have strength from you to kick him in the knee caps!