WithoutWax.tv by Pete Wilson | Tag Archive | prayer
Tag Archive - prayer

Prayer: Humility vs. Pride

March 30, 2009 in God, Religion with 62 Comments

I admitted to you almost a year ago that I Stink At Prayer. It’s something I still struggle with, but I’m committed to  improving because I think staying connected to Christ throughout the day is essential for true transformation in my life.

Do you ever wonder why were are so inconsistent with prayer? While I won’t speak for you I’ll admit one of the main reasons I don’t pray more consistently is in a word: pride.

I love this quote from one of Matt Chandler’s messages. He said,

“Prayer, more than any other spiritual discipline, reveals what’s really in your heart and how much pride you operate in. Prayer, more than any other discipline, reveals what you really believe about you, what you really believe about God, and how much pride is in the tank of your soul.”

Why do I stink at prayer? Because I’m so good at pride!

I believe one of the greatest reasons so many of us struggle with prayer is because we live under a prideful illusion that we’re in control. And control is this addictive illusion that will permeate your consciousness over time and make you begin to believe you really don’t need to pursue God.

What do you think? Why don’t you pray more consistently?

Time To Move On

November 5, 2008 in God, Religion with 118 Comments

Today is a new day. It’s a new era. Regardless of who you voted for or why, it’s time to switch gears. It’s time to pray for Obama as he transitions to become the President of the United States.

And furthermore, you need to know this is not a surprise to God. Before the billions of dollars were spent on this campaign, God already knew the outcome. He wasn’t sitting around the television last night ringing his hands like you were.

He doesn’t need a Republican or a Democrat, an electoral vote, or a state. He’s not red or blue. He’s God.

He’s God and I’m not. You’re Not. Obama is not. McCain is not.

So if your candidate lost. I’m sorry. If you’re worried your issues aren’t going to be being addressed. I’m sorry. But God is still God and He’s still sitting on His throne.

Let’s move on.

Will You Pray for Moise?

July 19, 2008 in Church Planting, Cross Point Church, Dominican 08 Trip, God, Leadership, Missions, Religion with 26 Comments

I talked to Moise today and asked him how we could pray for him. He said, “Pete, there are three thing for you to pray for.”

1) Pray for the church. Pray that we will continue to reach this community and that many Haitians will come to know Christ.

2) Pray for my desire to know God and study His Word.

3) Pray for a good wife (notice he says a good wife and not just a wife) :)

On a serious note, I know that Moise sometimes really battles with loneliness. Many of you know how lonely ministry can be, but imagine it as single man in a third world country.

So if you have a second go leave Moise a comment of encouragement or prayer and I’ll read them to him later this week.

Pray Less and Listen More!

June 30, 2008 in Cross Point Church, God, Leadership, Preaching, Religion with 34 Comments

We are continuing our series at Cross Point we’ve entitled “SYNC”. We’re spending the summer looking at the disciplines, the rhythms, and the practices that we should arrange our life around if we really want Christ to be formed in our life.

Yesterday we talked about prayer.

I confessed to our church that in many ways I have reduced prayer down to a transaction. I’ve reduced God down to a vending machine. I go to him when I need something. Truth be known, I really don’t know what to do with God when I get done with my “list”.

God is teaching me these days that prayer is about so much more than my “list”. God is so much bigger than the vending machine I’ve reduced him to. I worship a God that breathed life into me so that I can know Him and love Him. And he longs to have a relationship with me.

So my commitment this week is that I’m going to pray less and listen more. When I get done with my list, I’m just going to sit in His presence. I’m going to see if just maybe God has something he wants to say to me.

How about you? What is God teaching you about prayer these days? What is God showing you about himself?

God Bless America?

June 26, 2008 in Church Leadership, Church Planting, Cross Point Church, God, Leadership, Missions, Religion with 87 Comments

I saw this bumper sticker the other day when I was walking into Blockbuster. It says, “My Pastor Says God Bless America.” Since seeing the bumper sticker I’ve discovered it’s linked to a political movement.

I want to be clear that I’m neither condemning nor endorsing this organization. I know nothing about it, but this bumper sticker just prompted the following thoughts.

I’m tired of praying “God Bless America.” Now, before you try to stone me at the county courthouse, let me clearly state, “I’m proud of our country.” I’m indebted to people who have served her to give me the freedoms I have. So we’re cool. I shoot fireworks off on the 4th and everything.

I’m just thinking this. It kind of looks like God has already blessed America. I kind of feel like maybe I should be praying “God thanks for already blessing America, so now I’m going to bless you.” Or maybe “God, thanks for already blessing America, so help me use your blessing to bless some others.” Or maybe just simply, “God bless Uganda.” I think they need it a little more than we do.

Around the world, some 26,500 children die every day (source: global issues.com)

That is equivalent to:

* 1 child dying every 3 seconds

* 18 children dying every minute

* A 2004 Asian Tsunami occurring every week* An Iraq-scale death toll every 15–36 days

* Almost 10 million children dying every year

* Some 60 million children dying between 2000 and 2006 Half the world — nearly three billion people — live on less than two dollars a day.

A friend sent me a video link yesterday from CNN. I dare you to CLICK HERE and watch this disturbing video where the parents walk away from their 11 year old boy leaving him in the custody of the government because they can’ afford to feed him. When I watched that little boys chin start to quiver as his mom walked away I just LOST IT.

So, I’m sorry if today I just can’t pray “God bless America”. But, make no mistake about it, I’m praying for Ahri and his family. I’m praying for the families of the almost 40 kids who have died in the time you’ve been reading this post.

Does this wreck you like it wrecks me?

my chaos,

Pete

Praying Through The Tears

May 28, 2008 in God, Leadership, Parenting, Religion, Videos with 36 Comments

I received a phone call this morning from Selah member Allan Hall, who is a member here at Cross Point. He sadly informed me that Todd Smith’s sister’s 3 month old baby unexpectedly died last night. Nicole used to be a member of Selah with Todd and Allan. Please remember them in your prayers today. As most of you know Todd and Angie just went through the death of their newborn child Audrey Caroline. Click HERE to read Todd and Angie’s story.

Todd was at Cross Point a few weeks ago and sang an unbelievable, heart felt rendition of “I Surrender All”. Today as Todd and Angie drive to be with Nicole, they find themselves needing to surrender it all once again.

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/1081560]

Here’s my prayer today:

God, I don’t get it. I don’t understand how this sweet family can take anymore rain right now! They have just been through so much and now it starts all over again. I don’t think their hearts have the capacity for it. I don’t know if they have the internal strength for it. And yet even as those words come out of my mouth I know you are with them. I know you will comfort them. I know you will work through this like you worked through their loss of Audrey just a few weeks ago. In this moment I accept that you are God and I am not. I don’t have to have an answer to why, I just need to know that you are here. You are there with them. Amen.

**Update** If you would like to send an encouraging email to Greg and Nicol you can do so at the following email address: sponbergfamily@gmail.com

Pray for Steven Curtis Chapman’s Family

May 22, 2008 in God, Leadership, Parenting, Religion with 57 Comments

The Tennessean is reporting tonight…

Steven Curtis Chapman’s youngest child died Wednesday afternoon after being struck by a car driven by her teenage brother in the driveway of the family’s Williamson County home.

Maria, one of the Christian singer’s six children, was taken by LifeFlight to Vanderbilt Hospital, which confirmed the death, according to Laura McPherson, a spokeswoman for the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

CLICK HERE TO READ FULL ARTICLE

Steven Curtis Chapman has always held a special place in my heart. He was the first Christian artist that I ever remember listening to. His music has encouraged me in so many ways throughout the years. Please keep this family in your prayers. I can’t imagine the hurt, confusion, anger, and pain they must be feeling right now.

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