William Wright (2016)
A mother hurrying to the pharmacy to get medication for her ailing daughter got back to her car and found that she had locked her keys inside. The woman found an old rusty coat hanger left on the ground. She looked at it, thinking, “I don’t know how to use this.”
She then bowed her head and asked God to please send her some help. Within minutes a bearded man, covered in tattoos, wearing an old biker skull rag pulled up in a beat-up old motorcycle. He got off of his cycle and asked if he could help.
She said: “Yes, my daughter is sick. I’ve locked my keys in my car! I must get home. Please, can you use this hanger to unlock my car?”
He said, “Sure.” He walked over to the car, and in less than a minute the car was open.
She hugged the man and through tears said, “Thank You, God, for sending me such a nice man.”
The man heard her short prayer and replied, “Lady, I am NOT a nice man. I just got out of prison yesterday. I was in prison for car theft.”
The woman hugged the man again, sobbing, “Thank you, God! You even sent me a professional!”
Perhaps you have had prayers answered and were amazed at how specific the response was? God’s Word invites us to be specific in prayer at Luke 11:11-13. Jesus asked, “Which one of you fathers would give your hungry child a snake if the child asked for a fish? Which one of you would give your child a scorpion if the child asked for an egg? As bad as you are, you still know how to give good gifts to your children. But your heavenly Father is even more ready to give the Holy Spirit to anyone who asks.” — Contemporary English Version.
When we pray specifically for God’s holy spirit to help us — help us understand, forgive, stay calm, think clearly or strengthen us to endure difficult trials — we get to see exactly when and how our prayers are answered. You might recall the example of young King Solomon, who was told by God to ask for whatever he wanted at 2Chronicles 1:7. In verse 10 Solomon specifically requested for wisdom and knowledge to lead God’s people.
In verses 11-12, God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.” — New International Version.
Being specific in prayer brought Solomon specific benefits. What about us? James 1:5 says, “So, if any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching; and it will be given him.” —
Another example was that of the mighty Samson, who was being mocked by the Philistines after revealing the source of his strength, losing his power, being blinded and captured. While thousands of his enemies praised their god Dagon for giving them the victory over Samson at Judges 16:24-27, notice how specific Samson’s prayer became at Judges 16:28: “And Samson called unto Jehovah, and said, O Lord Jehovah, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.” — American Standard Version.
Samson’s prayer was very specific. He even used the personal name of God, Jehovah, and this prayer was immediately answered. His superhuman strength returned. So why not take a lesson from the wisest man, the strongest man and the greatest man who ever lived and work on being more specific in your prayers to God? By doing so we may get to witness God’s matchless wisdom and mysterious ways in exactly how He chooses to answer our prayers in His own way and time.
Whenever that is, we can be sure God’s answer will be to our everlasting benefit. Of course, our prayers must always be in harmony with God’s will or they will never be answered by Him. As 1John
Being specific also works best in human relationships. Remember the man who asked his wife early one morning, “If you could have anything today, right now, what would it be?”
She said, “Oh, I’d love to be 10 again!”
So, he came up with a plan and took her to a theme park. They rode every ride in the park together. For lunch they went to McDonald’s, had a Big Mac with French fries and a milkshake. After lunch, he took her to see the latest movie for kids — complete with popcorn and soda!
Finally, they staggered home and collapsed into bed. Her husband leaned over and asked, “So, sweetheart, what was it like being 10 again?”
She glanced up at him with a smile and said, “Actually, I meant my dress size.”
So, be specific. Unless, of course, you are asked to criticize someone — then be vague.
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Original posted by William Wright 2016
Reposted with permission.