Simple but effective...

Simple but effective.

When something is simple but effective that means it was designed well.
It does what it's supposed to do in the easiest way possible.
You don't have to "figure it out" (except maybe the very first time).

Some examples of simple but effective things?
- Your spoon, fork and knife.  Helping you eat since you first picked them up as a toddler.
- A pencil. (number 2, please)
- A book.  (The reading and comprehending part is the hard bit.  But the book itself is simple and very effective - never buffers or needs to be restarted...Kindle - I'm talking to you...)

But they are only effective when used properly.
Try using a knife to eat soup, a fork to cut steak and a spoon to eat spaghetti.
Still simple.
Not so effective.

Another example?
Prayer.

But only when used properly.
This Sunday our sermon focused on "Praying in God's Name".
Pastor mentioned a phrase that really caught my attention.
"Pray upstream."
It's simple AND very effective.

"Pray upstream"?  What is that?

Pastor included a quote in our notes from Phillip Yancey.
"I plead with God, as if hoping to change God's mind and overcome divine reluctance.  Instead, I should start upstream where the flow begins."

You see - I like to start where I'm at and make my prayer all about me.

• God - please change this other person so that they see things the way I do.
• God - please make this deal/thing/plan/scheme work out in my favor.
• God - please heal my sick aunt/cousin/parent/sibling so I feel better about it.

I'm in the middle of a flood and only want to pray for short-term deliverance.
For me.

Praying upstream means to wade up the river and meet God closer to where he is.
To what he wants for me (and everyone).
Upstream - the water is purer and clearer and isn't over my head.

So - what does God want (not "what do I want")?
Is there a good role model for me?
In Hebrews 5:7-10 - we see Jesus lived the example of praying upstream.

So - praying those same prayers upstream could be...

• God - please soften my heart, shape my mind and "leggo my ego" to see how you need me to interact with this "difficult person" in my life.
• God - what (in my deal/thing/plan/scheme) will give you Glory and make Jesus shine for all to see?
• God - Show me how I can help my sick aunt/cousin/parent/sibling.  How can I be a vessel to strengthen their hope and trust in You?  Show me how I can serve them in their time of need.

Pastor summarized his sermon with three building blocks (another simple but effective thing) for "Praying in God's Name".
1) Pray beginning upstream with the source of the flow (God's agenda - not mine).
2) Pray that you will live and honor God's agenda in the roles and responsibilities he gives you.
3) Pray that you always make Jesus look good to others.

Jesus is the ONLY way, truth and life.

Lord -
Lead me, guide me along the way,
For if you lead me I cannot stray.
Lord, let me walk each day with Thee.
Lead me, oh Lord, lead me. 
Amen.

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