It looked like an ordinary white, letter envelope, you know, the junk mail type that is so abundant in our mail boxes. However, when I opened it I realized that it was like no other letter I’ve ever received. Inside was a paper prayer rug and it promised power! Not only power, but blessings-spiritual, physical and financial blessings of all types. There were the personal testimonials from those that had followed the formula. Most were about getting money, new cars and houses. There were a couple that mentioned healing and one said a loved one had been saved. Of course there was a catch. I had to follow the formula or I would break the flow of power. It outlined a very detailed set of instructions to follow. If I was unable to follow the instructions I had to return the enclosed prayer rug within twenty-four hours of receiving it.
While it is good to ask God for blessings or healing or power, we don’t need a formula or special prayer rug to gain His attention. Jesus said, “The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need.” (Matthew 6 – The Message Paraphrase)
The best thing we can do is to lay out our petitions before God. Ask Him for what He knows is best for us. Whatever He gives us will be more than enough and exactly what we need. No formula needed.
Written by Roger Bothwell on August 3, 2009
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
rogerbothwell.org