Conflicting Prayers

Yesterday while on the treadmill, I read an interesting devotional thought from the book, "Praying at Burger King" by Richard J. Mouw. It was titled "Rules For Prayer Competitors." It asks how do you pray when someone else is praying for the exact opposite to happen? This occurs in my life and I'm certain in yours too. In athletic contests we pray that are team is victorious, but so is the other team. In the Civil War, both the North and the South prayed to the same God to win the war. Even today, some pray that we pull out of Iraq right now, while others pray we hold the course until we win. In a church, one group might pray to build, another to not build a new building. Conflicting prayers! Richard Mouw gave what I think are 4 great guidelines when you encounter prayers that conflict. First, pray about what really matters to you. God knows we are finite creatures with limited perspectives. But in praying, we show are dependence on Him. Second, Focus on the underlying issues. Rather than telling God what to do, tell Him your hopes and fears about the issue. Third, pray for those you consider to be your enemies. Read Matthew 5:44. Finally, acknowledge you might be wrong in the way you view things. Now that's difficult! Psalm 139:21, 22 tells how David hates who God hates, but then in verses 23 and 24 says, search me, test me, know my thoughts. Is there any wickedness in me?
Great guidelines when you find yourself praying conflicting prayers. Have you said any lately? These are the days my friend.
Jim "Train"