The Fifth week of Job Review

Reading assignment: Job 41-42,

Our class on Tuesday night was "very interesting." So much so, all of you, in the words of Stevie Wonder, "creeped into my mind." Maybe I should repeat Jackie's words, "get out of my head."

I am talking about the comment when I said that there are times when we may have to say, "No, I will not pray for you." Or perhaps we say, "No, I will not pray that prayer." Yes, these are some harsh words. However, it's important to remember that we are talking about when to pray and, more importantly, "what," should we pray. Discernment is hard work which means "No," maybe the best response to someone's issue. For example, if someone asked me to pray that their husband returns to help the family after he abused his wife and children, I would have to say, "No," to that prayer. I shared that in discernment, you must gather information. Knowing that this is an abusive situation, I must discern, should I pray for her husband to return or her mental state. After all, God wants the family to stay together, "Right?"

Here is the issue in prayer, when praying, we must agree. Jesus said, "I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" (Mt. 18:19-20). And the prophet Amos asked, "Do two journey together unless they have agreed?" (Am. 3:3)

Therefore, when anyone asks us to pray for them, we need to consider that person's emotional and spiritual state. We should avoid saying; I will pray for you before gathering information. It would be best if you did the work of discernment. Many of you "discerned," that praying for Job's happiness was not the "right," prayer a few weeks ago. You discerned based on the information you read; Job needed something more than just happiness. If someone asks you to pray, gather the data, test the spirit and see if the true and living God is present. Would you agree to pray for a person's safety to rob the bank to pay for his mortgage? Even God will say "No," to our prayers.

Discussion question: Tuesday night, I listed six limits in confirmation. Remember this quote, "If you are not in touch with yourself, if you don't know what is going on, you cannot hear the "other," even when the "Other is God." Earnest Larkin

I am looking for one more limit in confirmation. What else can cloud our spirit when trying to discern our spiritual walk or our friend? What hinders our spiritual liberty to act maturely as Christians.

1. We are not perfect.

2. Pressure and stress are real.

3. You have no control over what the other will do.

4. Time (Seasons)

5. You can't solve everyone's problems.

6. Admitting that you may be the problem.

7. ????????