Thursday, May 29, 2008

Painted Buntings & Prayer

Many times Christians debate about prayer. Some say to pray specifically is telling God what to do and we should pray in generalities because He knows what we need, others say pray specifically. Several saints as well as our Lord give us wonderful examples of prayer throughout the Bible.

2 years ago I decided I just had to see a Painted Bunting, though they pass very near to my home during spring migration, I have never seen one or heard of one being in the Richmond city limits. In 2006 we had Orioles that normally migrate on a different path. People from across the country were going to the Brazos Bend State Park to see them. That gave me the idea that Painted Buntings might be closer than normal.

I had several Hummingbirds, Cardinals, Blue Jays, Chickadees, Gold Finches, Pine Siskin, Woodpeckers, as well as several other species of birds in my yard. So I asked the Lord to send a Painted Bunting or 2 my way, an hour later I looked in my front yard and as big as day was a female Painted Bunting in all her green feathers. I thought Lord…I wanted to see a male Painted Bunting. He said, Annette you didn’t say you wanted to see a Male Painted Bunting. I knew where there was a female, there had to be a male. I sat outside for several days in my spare time and never saw him.

Since that time, I have prayed very specifically. The Lord showed me a valuable illustration on how to pray with a female Painted Bunting.

Jesus was specific in His prayers, Paul was specific in his prayers, and I would bet money that Peter did not pray in generalities and I don’t gamble. The Lord tells us in His word:

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Jesus said, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

8 comments:

connie said...

Annette,
I agree in our prayers they can't be general. god wants to hear things straight... Thank you for this post and the reminder...
Connie
GBU

ProverbsWomanWannaBe said...

I made a specific petition myself just last night! I so love your blog and thanks for the encouraging words on the passing of my dear Stitch...God Bless and MARANATHA!!!!!!

Kristin

About Nancy said...

Oh how the Lord enjoys hearing and answering our prayers. I giggled when reading the Lord's response to you, "You didn't say you wanted to see a Mail Painted Bunting."

I agree. The Lord wants us to pray specifically. It is more intimate, requires more thought, and brings us in closer harmony with God.

What a special story.
In Him,
Nancy

PS-The Painted Bunting is beautiful. Do they come to Kansas City?

Abba's Girl said...

Nancy,

I will look up the Painted Bunting's North American range and see if they make it to Kansas City. They are small, about the size of Goldfinches, which arrive here in late Dec or early Jan for a few weeks.

Annette

luvmy4sons said...

Loved this post. We do not have because we do not ask...FAITH...I hate it when I stop and think, "Oh, I forgot to ask Jesus for this..." Thanks for stopping by my blog. I love to find other godly women to commiserate with!

Linda said...

Hi Annette,
Thanks so much for visiting my blog. I love meeting new friends.
I agree with you about being specific in our prayers. I also think it is the talking everything over with Him that deepens our relationship.
You have a really lovely blog. Have a blessed weekend.

connie said...

Your Welcome, I hope you have a great weekend...
Connie
GBU

MITZI said...

I love birds too. I love sitting in the backyard and just watching them hop around and speak so sweetly. Sounds like you have a big variety to look at.
Often little hummingbirds will fly about the hibiscus tree from flower to flower and are so fast. As I was sitting there I asked God to have them just sit a spell and then fly over me. God answered. That little hummingbird stopped flapping its wings and sat on the branch for the longest time and then few low over my head.
I love that God answers the trivial requests.