Had a funny thought hit me the other day that I promised some folks I'd share.  It occurred to me after circling the room in a bible study/prayer group collecting the obligatory requests (you know the ones: make my boss not be a jerk, help me pass this test I didn't study for, give me a pony, etc).  What struck me as odd is the number of times we beg God, in a very heartfelt, well intentioned manner, to do something for another person. 

 

A lady in the church is sick and could use some encouragement.  My neighbor is going through a rough patch in his life and really needs to find Jesus.  A family member is struggling in their faith and needs someone to walk with them.  So please God, send someone to cover these needs.

 

I've long been an advocate of the idea that sometimes we use prayer as an excuse to drag our feet.  Usually this, after we already know what the answer will be.  So maybe the prayer should go something a little more like this: