1937 B-17 FLYING FORTRESS

Did you know that the idiom, “On a wing and a prayer,” stems from a World War II incident?  Wikipedia records that early in the mayhem of the war, an American pilot of a B-17 crippled aircraft called The Southern Comfort was returning to the base from a bombing raid over Germany.  The pilot suggested that his crew pray for a safe landing.

Later, in 1942 Hollywood made a film entitled The Flying Tigers, about this harrowing plane incident staring John Wayne as the pilot.  In reference to the crippled aircraft condition, actor Wayne’s character proclaimed the script’s rendition and exclaimed, “She’s coming in on one wing and a prayer.”  The rest is history!

BUT, just suppose nobody knew how to pray!

Well, in this week’s blog, I would like to share with you how the Holy Spirit communed with me on how to study for a comprehensive understanding on what the Bible says on what a prayer should consists of.

1. What Is Prayer? 

For me, prayer is earnestly calling on the Name of the Lord God.  It does not matter what posture I am in; such as knelling, or standing, or lying prostrate, just as long as I am focused on Him and His heavenly atmosphere.

Another aspect that is of less consequence to me is my grammar.  Especially chitter-chatter or three and four syllable words.  I normally just let my verbal rantings all hang out–but with reverence and respect, of course.  And what I have experienced is this:  the more I include prayer in my everyday life, the more solidified my relationship becomes with my Maker.

I rarely have to wonder whether or not I ‘got a prayer through’.  Or whether temptation creeped in during my prayer time to throw me off course.  Or to entertain thoughts of doubt and despair.  Usually, I just remain focused, keep it simple and remain true to myself in my confessions.

So says King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived on earth: “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God.  God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.”  (Ecclesiastes 5:2)

2. What is Prayer simplified with the aide of the Holy Spirit

Just in case praying comes hard for you, the Apostle Paul gives us this advise:  “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.  We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.  And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.”  (Romans 8:27)

I would like to share a secret with you.  A lot of times the Holy Spirit is already at work on my behalf before I take time to pray.  In other words, he puts thoughts and subject matter on my mind that require God’s intervention.  For example, often, when I am thinking of a family member or friend, I’ll make a mental note to communicate with them at a later time, but before the day is over.  Within a short period of time, that person or friend supernaturally contacts me or someone in their sphere of influence will contact me with an update or personal message about them.  (That’s God at work in spite of any of my doings.)

Not too long ago, when my daughter-in-law and son were trying to sell an expensive piece of property to no avail, I was led by the Holy Spirit not only to pray, but to contact them and suggest that they place the property in the hands of a foreign realtor with overseas connections, because their buyer was coming from afar.  Sure enough, within a few days my family showed the property to a foreign family and they subsequently purchased the house and several rooms of their furniture.  So, not only God is Good…but prayer changes things!

3. What is Operating on a Wing and a Prayer…

…fixing those situations that appear hopeless.

So, it is during times like those mentioned above that lets me know that God truly opens that door and operates on a wing and a prayer.  It’s during those most difficult situations when only He can provide closure that I realize that prayer changes things.  So when praying, I modify my dialogue to increase my expectation; to believe more than just to ask and you shall receive, I also include thanksgiving and praise language and most definitely include words of omission and co-mission.  (Sins that are intentional or unintentional are nontheless sins!)

What I have just shared with my readers on the subject matter that focused on prayer is how I remain in a constant conversational dialogue with God based on his scripture references.  I trust what I have shared will be of extreme use to you in your quest to grow closer to the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus, the Son of the Living God.

So with prayer and supplication, always remember it is no secrete what God can do.  Sit back and enjoy Jim Reeves’ rendition of a song by the same title.  Skip the commercial and just click the Red Thumbnail below.  May God richly bless you and yours.  In the precious Name of Jesus, Amen.

Jim Reeves – It is No Secret (What God Can Do) 

Scripture Lessons:  “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us – whatever we ask – we know that we have what we asked of him” (1 John 5:14-15).

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

“…The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:18).

Click http://www.tgifmasterminds.com every Friday for a new post from the Master’s servant manager…ME!