What is Prayer?

BARNABY THE DOG.

Well-known member
At some point each day, I find myself speaking to the Grand Creator. We all do - it is why we are here after all, in this sanctuary of truth and faith. And if we have ever prayed, we will have asked ourselves…I suppose it is a presumption on my part, the question; Am I talking to myself? The scripture, that Jehovah is the hearer of prayer, is a question in itself. How? The implications are impossible to consider without accepting the omnipresence of the spirit and the ethereal essence of life having meaning and it’s source, both within and outside of the body. Another issue. Mathew 6. “Give me“ this, give me that, - food, forgiveness, your kingdom here on earth, until prayer becomes a list of requests and thanks based on the assumption - faith - that not only does Jehovah know what we are thinking, but actually pays attention to us. There is only so much thanks and praise that one can give, no matter how genuine, heartfelt and faithful it may be, without, in my case at least, feeling as though prayer gets to lack meaning through our/my own restrictions.
 

Sunshower

Well-known member
I have the same problem. But remember this: For he well knows how we are formed, Remembering that we are dust.

I was in an accident several years ago which caused me to have cognitive problems. I’m easily distracted and my thoughts often wander off. Yet, I know Jehovah hears me and He helps me, even though I mess up my prayers many times. I’m sure Jehovah brought me here cause He answered my prayers. They may not be the most consistent and sometimes I get the feeling it’s me arranging my thoughts, but Jehovah still listens.
 
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Medi-tator

Well-known member
Disclaimer: The following remarks are simply my opinions and observations about prayer, so the shoe might not fit everyone.

1) Prayer is an ongoing process of spiritual discovery. We learn to speak to Jehovah over time (and frequency) to the point where we may discontinue pondering whether or not we are only speaking to ourselves. All the while, Jehovah is ever patient and watches us with great wonderment as we willingly share our deep and shallow (complicated and simple) thoughts with him.

2) If I could I would pray all day long, but life demands my attention in other areas so I explain to Jehovah in advance that I would like to remain in "prayer mode", but even that is impossible to maintain when I need to focus on something else.

3) I try not to be a "foxhole Christian" in that I consciously and deliberately don't make it all about myself and my travails and needs when I pray. I usually start out in complete gratitude mode and then shift to caring about others and name those others specifically. When it requires it, I do include general 'specifics' like "please bless according to your will and purpose the elders in our congregation along with all the bros and sisters in the congregation" etc etc. (Jesus taught us to pray for our "enemies". The elders in our congregation fit that bill at the moment LOL)

4) When going into "ask" mode, I apologize for being self centered but also say "I realize you are ok with this and you want us to pour our hearts out to you, so here I go".

5) When my thoughts wander and I deviate from my prayer, I regroup to the best of my ability and apologize for the deviation. If it happens again in rapid or semi-rapid succession, I tell Him that I am going to end this particular prayer and get back to Him when I can focus better. This usually happens at bed time when I recognize I am actually falling asleep and beginning to dream in the middle of my prayer.

6) The bible speaks about when Jesus arrives, will there be faith found on the earth? I believe our prayers to Jehovah are a way for Jehovah to help us have that faith, especially since he invites us to pray for more faith. As simple and as lowly and personal as our prayers may be, I believe Jehovah is hugely interested in seeing us make an effort to communicate with him. After all, he has numbered the hairs of our heads so why not be amazed at us when we make even a feeble effort to pray to him.

7) I do believe that prayer works very well in its messaging to our conscious and sub-conscious processes on a psychological level but then can be hugely enhanced if we take the extra step and allow for that to grow into a "knowing" that we are being heard by our loving creator who is happy to listen to us lowly creatures. The process of prayer and more prayer builds up layers upon layers of goodness regardless of any attempt to pigeon hole it as a potential exercise in futility. Jehovah is well pleased with even the meagerest of attempts at praying to Him.

8) I always acknowledge Jesus in my prayers, every single one of them, no matter what. I keep it simple and don't care to fret as to whether or not Jesus hears my prayers too. For me, I pray to Jehovah God through the Ransomer Jesus Christ.

Bottom line is that this is one of my favorite subjects and I thank The Dog for bringing it up today!
 
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BARNABY THE DOG.

Well-known member
Disclaimer: The following remarks are simply my opinions and observations about prayer, so the shoe might not fit everyone.

1) Prayer is an ongoing process of spiritual discovery. We learn to speak to Jehovah over time (and frequency) to the point where we may discontinue pondering whether or not we are only speaking to ourselves. All the while, Jehovah is ever patient and watches us with great wonderment as we willingly share our deep and shallow (complicated and simple) thoughts with him.

2) If I could I would pray all day long, but life demands my attention in other areas so I explain to Jehovah in advance that I would like to remain in "prayer mode", but even that is impossible to maintain when I need to focus on something else.

3) I try not to be a "foxhole Christian" in that I consciously and deliberately don't make it all about myself and my travails and needs when I pray. I usually start out in complete gratitude mode and then shift to caring about others and name those others specifically. When it requires it, I do include general 'specifics' like "please bless according to your will and purpose the elders in our congregation along with all the bros and sisters in the congregation" etc etc. (Jesus taught us to pray for our "enemies". The elders in our congregation fit that bill at the moment LOL)

4) When going into "ask" mode, I apologize for being self centered but also say "I realize you are ok with this and you want us to pour our hearts out to you, so here I go".

5) When my thoughts wander and I deviate from my prayer, I regroup to the best of my ability and apologize for the deviation. If it happens again in rapid or semi-rapid succession, I tell Him that I am going to end this particular prayer and get back to Him when I can focus better. This usually happens at bed time when I recognize I am actually falling asleep and beginning to dream in the middle of my prayer.

6) The bible speaks about when Jesus arrives, will there be faith found on the earth? I believe our prayers to Jehovah are a way for Jehovah to help us have that faith, especially since he invites us to pray for more faith. As simple and as lowly and personal as our prayers may be, I believe Jehovah is hugely interested in seeing us make an effort to communicate with him. After all, he has numbered the hairs of our heads so why not be amazed at us when we make even a feeble effort to pray to him.

7) I do believe that prayer works very well in its messaging to our conscious and sub-conscious processes on a psychological level but then can be hugely enhanced if we take the extra step and allow for that to grow into a "knowing" that we are being heard by our loving creator who is happy to listen to us lowly creatures. The process of prayer and more prayer builds up layers upon layers of goodness regardless of any attempt to pigeon hole it as a potential exercise in futility. Jehovah is well pleased with even the meagerest of attempts at praying to Him.

8) I always acknowledge Jesus in my prayers, every single one of them, no matter what. I keep it simple and don't care to fret as to whether or not Jesus hears my prayers too. For me, I pray to Jehovah God through the Ransomer Jesus Christ.

Bottom line is that this is one of my favorite subjects and I thank The Dog for bringing it up today!
Thanks for your insightful reply. I was hoping that some could spare the time to address my question. If what you write is the case for you, I see you must have been asking the same question. I think that rationalising our difficulties in this area is common to all or most of us. One of the issues that I have found difficult is the fact that Jehovah states that he is impartial, meaning that I find it difficult to digest those who feel He has provided a car etc., but then, needs are addressed by Jehovah. (I draw the line though way before I see the televangelists asking for a jet plane to continue their ministry - rather similar to the watchtower selling off halls to be able to “continue building where the need is greatest“ …. meaning their own needs!). It seems that the answer is that needs in spiritual accomplishment or enablement have many avenues of reply. How do you reckon impartiality in answering prayer then?
 

JMJ

Well-known member
At some point each day, I find myself speaking to the Grand Creator. We all do - it is why we are here after all, in this sanctuary of truth and faith. And if we have ever prayed, we will have asked ourselves…I suppose it is a presumption on my part, the question; Am I talking to myself? The scripture, that Jehovah is the hearer of prayer, is a question in itself. How? The implications are impossible to consider without accepting the omnipresence of the spirit and the ethereal essence of life having meaning and it’s source, both within and outside of the body. Another issue. Mathew 6. “Give me“ this, give me that, - food, forgiveness, your kingdom here on earth, until prayer becomes a list of requests and thanks based on the assumption - faith - that not only does Jehovah know what we are thinking, but actually pays attention to us. There is only so much thanks and praise that one can give, no matter how genuine, heartfelt and faithful it may be, without, in my case at least, feeling as though prayer gets to lack meaning through our/my own restrictions.
Also , with prayers is acknowledging that these gifts are from Jehovah . Jesus prayed on the night of his arrest that the cup was taken from him , but only if it was Jehovah`s will . Sometimes when we pray , our prayers are not answered .I believe that it is because by enduring , a greater witness to Jehovah can be given . If everything we ask for is given , it is serving for the rewards . Sometimes by enduring , while still suffering , Satan , who is is watching always is shown that we serve not just for what we get out of Jehovah , but out of love obedience and patience while enduring . Just my own thought on the matter .
 

Ms_ladyblue

Well-known member
Disclaimer: The following remarks are simply my opinions and observations about prayer, so the shoe might not fit everyone.

1) Prayer is an ongoing process of spiritual discovery. We learn to speak to Jehovah over time (and frequency) to the point where we may discontinue pondering whether or not we are only speaking to ourselves. All the while, Jehovah is ever patient and watches us with great wonderment as we willingly share our deep and shallow (complicated and simple) thoughts with him.

2) If I could I would pray all day long, but life demands my attention in other areas so I explain to Jehovah in advance that I would like to remain in "prayer mode", but even that is impossible to maintain when I need to focus on something else.

3) I try not to be a "foxhole Christian" in that I consciously and deliberately don't make it all about myself and my travails and needs when I pray. I usually start out in complete gratitude mode and then shift to caring about others and name those others specifically. When it requires it, I do include general 'specifics' like "please bless according to your will and purpose the elders in our congregation along with all the bros and sisters in the congregation" etc etc. (Jesus taught us to pray for our "enemies". The elders in our congregation fit that bill at the moment LOL)

4) When going into "ask" mode, I apologize for being self centered but also say "I realize you are ok with this and you want us to pour our hearts out to you, so here I go".

5) When my thoughts wander and I deviate from my prayer, I regroup to the best of my ability and apologize for the deviation. If it happens again in rapid or semi-rapid succession, I tell Him that I am going to end this particular prayer and get back to Him when I can focus better. This usually happens at bed time when I recognize I am actually falling asleep and beginning to dream in the middle of my prayer.

6) The bible speaks about when Jesus arrives, will there be faith found on the earth? I believe our prayers to Jehovah are a way for Jehovah to help us have that faith, especially since he invites us to pray for more faith. As simple and as lowly and personal as our prayers may be, I believe Jehovah is hugely interested in seeing us make an effort to communicate with him. After all, he has numbered the hairs of our heads so why not be amazed at us when we make even a feeble effort to pray to him.

7) I do believe that prayer works very well in its messaging to our conscious and sub-conscious processes on a psychological level but then can be hugely enhanced if we take the extra step and allow for that to grow into a "knowing" that we are being heard by our loving creator who is happy to listen to us lowly creatures. The process of prayer and more prayer builds up layers upon layers of goodness regardless of any attempt to pigeon hole it as a potential exercise in futility. Jehovah is well pleased with even the meagerest of attempts at praying to Him.

8) I always acknowledge Jesus in my prayers, every single one of them, no matter what. I keep it simple and don't care to fret as to whether or not Jesus hears my prayers too. For me, I pray to Jehovah God through the Ransomer Jesus Christ.

Bottom line is that this is one of my favorite subjects and I thank The Dog for bringing it up today!
@Medi-tator I just wanted to thank you so much for sharing your thoughts about prayer. This is something that is very important for me, especially now. Most of the time my thoughts are about Jehovah to Jehovah. Even out loud I find myself talking to him, I mean, it might not exactly be sitting or laying down, but doing some small chore around the house. Then I don’t feel completely alone.

Your thoughts concerning prayer made a strong impression on me, so that I even started to cry because it touched my heart deeply.
I am so grateful to Jehovah for directing me to this forum where I’ve learned so much from many of the friends on here. However, this is also one of my favorite subjects and something I never want to take for granted. At times I get so concerned if whether or not Jehovah hears my prayers.


Again I thank you for sharing this, I believe it will be ‘perfectly fitted’ for me.
I would also like to thank The Dog as well, for bringing it up!
 
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Medi-tator

Well-known member
Also , with prayers is acknowledging that these gifts are from Jehovah . Jesus prayed on the night of his arrest that the cup was taken from him , but only if it was Jehovah`s will . Sometimes when we pray , our prayers are not answered .I believe that it is because by enduring , a greater witness to Jehovah can be given . If everything we ask for is given , it is serving for the rewards . Sometimes by enduring , while still suffering , Satan , who is is watching always is shown that we serve not just for what we get out of Jehovah , but out of love obedience and patience while enduring . Just my own thought on the matter .
So perfectly stated @JMJ !
 

Medi-tator

Well-known member
Thanks for your insightful reply. I was hoping that some could spare the time to address my question. If what you write is the case for you, I see you must have been asking the same question. I think that rationalising our difficulties in this area is common to all or most of us. One of the issues that I have found difficult is the fact that Jehovah states that he is impartial, meaning that I find it difficult to digest those who feel He has provided a car etc., but then, needs are addressed by Jehovah. (I draw the line though way before I see the televangelists asking for a jet plane to continue their ministry - rather similar to the watchtower selling off halls to be able to “continue building where the need is greatest“ …. meaning their own needs!). It seems that the answer is that needs in spiritual accomplishment or enablement have many avenues of reply. How do you reckon impartiality in answering prayer then?
Aloha BroDog! What @JMJ said is key with some emphasis to what JMJ already touched upon being that God's will be done, not ours. And notice our beloved sister @Ms_ladyblue shared how she can be practically conversational with Jehovah during her daily activities which helps her to not feel alone. Excellent food for thought there as well! Again, thank you Barn for bringing up such a nice subject!
 
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SusanB

Well-known member
At some point each day, I find myself speaking to the Grand Creator. We all do - it is why we are here after all, in this sanctuary of truth and faith. And if we have ever prayed, we will have asked ourselves…I suppose it is a presumption on my part, the question; Am I talking to myself? The scripture, that Jehovah is the hearer of prayer, is a question in itself. How? The implications are impossible to consider without accepting the omnipresence of the spirit and the ethereal essence of life having meaning and it’s source, both within and outside of the body. Another issue. Mathew 6. “Give me“ this, give me that, - food, forgiveness, your kingdom here on earth, until prayer becomes a list of requests and thanks based on the assumption - faith - that not only does Jehovah know what we are thinking, but actually pays attention to us. There is only so much thanks and praise that one can give, no matter how genuine, heartfelt and faithful it may be, without, in my case at least, feeling as though prayer gets to lack meaning through our/my own restrictions.
All I can say is that when you love someone you really don’t get tired of communicating with them. Both listening and talking. I feel constantly in awe of the fact that I can communicate with the greatest person in the universe and hear from him through his word and he invites me to do that. I will never purposely take that privilege for granted and in fact I make it a matter of concern that the quality of both listening and praying is improved and hopefully more pleasing to Jehovah as I make better use of these provisions. I still marvel that he personally listens to our prayers and does not delegate that task to anyone else. His love in that regard is hard for my feeble brain to really appreciate, but I try to contemplate it.
 

BARNABY THE DOG.

Well-known member
All I can say is that when you love someone you really don’t get tired of communicating with them. Both listening and talking. I feel constantly in awe of the fact that I can communicate with the greatest person in the universe and hear from him through his word and he invites me to do that. I will never purposely take that privilege for granted and in fact I make it a matter of concern that the quality of both listening and praying is improved and hopefully more pleasing to Jehovah as I make better use of these provisions. I still marvel that he personally listens to our prayers and does not delegate that task to anyone else. His love in that regard is hard for my feeble brain to really appreciate, but I try to contemplate it.
It is certainly a difficult question to contemplate such a relationship but it has been on my mind for as long as I have known that there is a God. In the end analysis, the bible simply states that Jehovah is a “hearer of prayer”. Fact. During my pursuit for an answer to that statement, I concluded that all life is tied to His existence. The bible is equally emphatic that Jehovah is the life-giver. As it is a privilege to be given autonomous life, independent of Jehovah, it stands to reason that those who are not, retain a dependancy upon Jehovah, I feel that there remains a spiritual umbilical cord. It does not seem too far fetched to me, given the physical processes of pro-creation. I think that what changes the quality of prayer, and it’s intrinsic meaning on both sides, is the growth of faith. I could never understand the value of repeating prayers as churches do, or the repetition of services. When I was subject to them as a boy, I was always waiting for them to end. The bible reflects that the use of repetitious prayers in expectation of a hearing is pointless, and so I assume that a more topical and personal discussion in prayer has value. It seems somewhat a contradiction in terms though when one has very little of value to offer.
 

BARNABY THE DOG.

Well-known member
Aloha BroDog! What @JMJ said is key with some emphasis to what JMJ already touched upon being that God's will be done, not ours. And notice our beloved sister @Ms_ladyblue shared how she can be practically conversational with Jehovah during her daily activities which helps her to not feel alone. Excellent food for thought there as well! Again, thank you Barn for bringing up such a nice subject!
I thought that Jehovah‘s will, though clearly as you say, is the main goal of obedience or subjection to such, was only part of the purpose of prayer. The two main issues are addressed in Mathew 6 - the sanctity of the Name, and the Kingdom. The rest is more to do with ourselves, our falling short and our needs. It is how to address that, that concerns me. Praying for the kingdom and for Jehovah’s name to be made known, is more or less the issues for me every day. It’s what I can add to it that makes it meaningful for me to offer, that I find rather obscure, as you may well imagine! The only example I can think of in trying to find some meaningful issue in me that reflects the scriptural example of the widows mite, is whether I can find that mite’s worth to offer myself. It’s rather like bringing a cold McDonalds burger to a White House banquet and hoping it’s sufficient.
 

SusanB

Well-known member
… and so I assume that a more topical and personal discussion in prayer has value. It seems somewhat a contradiction in terms though when one has very little of value to offer.
That is the wonderful thing. Prayer is proof that Jehovah sees value in us and wants to hear from us. What a rewarding endeavor it is to contemplate that we can “prepare“ our prayers like one would do with incense.

Psalm 141:2: “May my prayer be as incense prepared before you, My uplifted hands like the evening grain offering.”

There are many times Jehovah even communicated with faithful ones to say “I have heard your prayer”! What will it be like when Jehovah says that to you? It will happen to those who stay faithful because we see in the account of Adam and Eve that they talked with Jehovah and they knew he heard them and answered them.

Genesis 3:8-10: “Later they heard the voice of Jehovah God as he was walking in the garden about the breezy part of the day, and the man and his wife hid from the face of Jehovah God among the trees of the garden. And Jehovah God kept calling to the man and saying to him: “Where are you?” Finally he said: “I heard your voice in the garden, but I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid myself”

Unfortunately this account sadly tells the story of human failure but it also shows us that Jehovah’s original purpose for humans was to have meaningful communication with our Creator and once we are raised to perfection, Jehovah’s purpose will be fulfilled.

1 Corinthians 15:24-28: “Next, the end, when he hands over the Kingdom to his God and Father, when he has brought to nothing all government and all authority and power. For he must rule as king until God has put all enemies under his feet. And the last enemy, death, is to be brought to nothing. For God “subjected all things under his feet.” But when he says that ‘all things have been subjected,’ it is evident that this does not include the One who subjected all things to him. But when all things will have been subjected to him, then the Son himself will also subject himself to the One who subjected all things to him, that God may be all things to everyone.”
 

JMJ

Well-known member
I thought that Jehovah‘s will, though clearly as you say, is the main goal of obedience or subjection to such, was only part of the purpose of prayer. The two main issues are addressed in Mathew 6 - the sanctity of the Name, and the Kingdom. The rest is more to do with ourselves, our falling short and our needs. It is how to address that, that concerns me. Praying for the kingdom and for Jehovah’s name to be made known, is more or less the issues for me every day. It’s what I can add to it that makes it meaningful for me to offer, that I find rather obscure, as you may well imagine! The only example I can think of in trying to find some meaningful issue in me that reflects the scriptural example of the widows mite, is whether I can find that mite’s worth to offer myself. It’s rather like bringing a cold McDonalds burger to a White House banquet and hoping it’s sufficient.
Robert either did a piece years ago or maybe made a comment where he stated that the fact that we pray means that we believe in Jehovah . I do the same as the sister does . I walk about praying as if I was holding a conversation . I think that praying at any time is good .Sometimes I pray when there is something that I do not quite understand ( Often ) and go through what I think it could be / mean . A lot of the time an answer comes my way .
 

Sunshower

Well-known member
It seems somewhat a contradiction in terms though when one has very little of value to offer.
That’s where you’re wrong, my dear brother. We have something to offer that Satan wants but we don’t want to give him. Our free will.

We worship Jehovah because we want to, we chose to do it. Satan doesn’t give us a choice, he demands loyalty.
He will probably strip us of everything, like he did Job. He states that: “Skin for skin. A man will give everything that he has for his life.” But if we stay loyal to Jehovah we give Him something that He thinks is worthy to repay with eternal life.
 
K

KevinB

Guest
At some point each day, I find myself speaking to the Grand Creator. We all do - it is why we are here after all, in this sanctuary of truth and faith. And if we have ever prayed, we will have asked ourselves…I suppose it is a presumption on my part, the question; Am I talking to myself? The scripture, that Jehovah is the hearer of prayer, is a question in itself. How? The implications are impossible to consider without accepting the omnipresence of the spirit and the ethereal essence of life having meaning and it’s source, both within and outside of the body. Another issue. Mathew 6. “Give me“ this, give me that, - food, forgiveness, your kingdom here on earth, until prayer becomes a list of requests and thanks based on the assumption - faith - that not only does Jehovah know what we are thinking, but actually pays attention to us. There is only so much thanks and praise that one can give, no matter how genuine, heartfelt and faithful it may be, without, in my case at least, feeling as though prayer gets to lack meaning through our/my own restrictions.
Excellent comments in this room, thanks!

For me John's words speak to intimacy in prayer with Jehovah: (1Jo 3:19-22; 4:16-19)

He and James also speaks of hypocrisy hindering our prayers, which can happen to any of us: (Jas 1:26, 27; 1Jo 4:20, 21)

Asking in faith for appropriate things, including asking for wisdom is essential: (Heb 11:6; Jas 1:5-8; Jo 5:13-15 )

And of course, these prayers should all center on magnification of Jehovah's name and that of his son through whom we pray, with much thanksgiving. Just as the Lord prayed (Mt 6:9-15; Col 3:17) In other words we should not be the center out our prayers except in relation to God's will through Christ . His concerns, his will, his purpose, his Kingship and Sovereignty and its expression on earth and in heaven is center to universal peace and righteousness. Sadly we can get bogged down in prayer when we focus to much on ourselves and our own needs. (Jas 4:1-6) Its happened to all of us at some point in time, that why its good to power read the apostles letters in the Greek scriptures to hear essential reminders of what God expects of us.

For all those here at the forum, I would say the time is approaching to continually pray that we may understand prophesies that have to do with "God's people" whether anointed or not. Asking Jah for wisdom in regard to the prophetic 3 1/2 years, for courage, faith and love for our brothers in imitation of Christ, as we are about to face perilous times, tests and perhaps even death. Praying that those who are true to Jehovah and Christ would find strength to endure and speak the truth about God and Christ fearlessly. That we would be gathered together in union with Christ. The following almost seems to urge us to do so before the seven trumpets are blown. Jah is listening!

“When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. Another angel, holding a golden incense vessel, arrived and stood at the altar, and a large quantity of incense was given him to offer it with the prayers of all the holy ones on the golden altar that was before the throne. The smoke of the incense from the hand of the angel ascended with the prayers of the holy ones before God. But right away the angel took the incense vessel, and he filled it with some of the fire of the altar and hurled it to the earth. And there were thunders and voices and flashes of lightning and an earthquake. And the seven angels with the seven trumpets prepared to blow them.” (Re 8:1-6)
 
K

KevinB

Guest
That’s where you’re wrong, my dear brother. We have something to offer that Satan wants but we don’t want to give him. Our free will.

We worship Jehovah because we want to, we chose to do it. Satan doesn’t give us a choice, he demands loyalty.
He will probably strip us of everything, like he did Job. He states that: “Skin for skin. A man will give everything that he has for his life.” But if we stay loyal to Jehovah we give Him something that He thinks is worthy to repay with eternal life.
Sometimes we forget that Christ's sacrifice makes our life valuable to God, even though we may feel useless at times. After all if Jehovah sacrificed his son for us then he is very interested in what we bring to the spiritual table and our spiritual offerings. I guess that's where faith comes in and appreciation for God's love. (Jo 3:16)
 
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