God often allows problems to enter people’s lives in order to facilitate His initial plans. For example, God had already expressed His desire to Abram for him to separate from his kindred. For various reasons, Abram had not obeyed God up until this point. In order to bring about God’s desired will, He allowed conflict to enter between the herdmen of Abram and those of Lot. The solution to this unnecessary conflict was quite simple. Abram suggested that they part ways (God’s initial plan) and Abram turned toward the land of Canaan (God’s initial plan). The Lord used the same tactic in the early church to get them to spread out and to preach His word outside of Jerusalem (see Acts 1:8 and Acts 8:1).
Simply stated, prayer is talking to God. Most Christians think of prayer as simply asking and receiving from God, but the Bible points out that prayer also involves the making of requests. Both Philippians 1:4 and Philippians 4:6 mention making requests. Yet, considering the whole counsel of God indicates that prayer is not merely asking and receiving nor is it simply limited to making requests. This is why the Lord taught that prayer should include a time of praise. When asked by His disciples how they should pray, the Lord began by speaking of the greatness of the Father’s name (Matthew 6:9). Prayer often includes a time when requests are made and praise occurs. Yet, the overall purpose of prayer involves portraying the greatness of God while testifying to man’s inherent frailties.
