Who Are You Praying To?

Verse: Pray continually… 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV)

 Props: picture of Santa Clause, Fairy Godmother and the throne of God (or chair set up like a throne)

 People have all kinds of ideas about prayer.  Some people think that prayer is just like making out a wish-list for God, like kids do for Santa Clause.  (Show picture of Santa Clause).  You know how those prayers go: “Dear God, please give me a new bike and a few new games for my system—maybe you could even throw in an ipod.”  Does God work like that?  No.  The Bible is full of promises that God will meet our needs, but the Bible never says that God will give us everything we want.  That wouldn’t be good for us.  God knows what we need, and when look to Him He will make sure we get it. 

            Others may think that prayer is like having a fairy godmother.  (Show pictures).  You know, you go to God because you need something and He waves his wand and—boom—it’s yours.  Listen: God doesn’t need a wand!  He is all-powerful.  But sometimes He chooses not to give us what we ask for right away.  He knows what we need and when we need it.  He will bring the right answer at the right time. 

            (Show picture of throne or refer to chair as you speak).  God is a loving God who wants to give His children what they need.  But He wants us to trust Him for answers, so we need to go to Him in prayer and never give up.  If you are asking God for something you need, or someone else needs, and it is something God knows is good for you, you can trust Him for the answer.  Don’t give up on God.  Keep praying and believing in Him.