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Hairy Pastors

  • But you, when you pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. In praying, don't use vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking. Matt. 6:6 WEB

    My friend had no idea what was waiting for him just inside of the church door. I went to seminary with this brother who was praying for a wife. One night he poured out his heart to God and prayed:

    'Lord I'm lonely, I just want someone to hug me, to kiss me, to tell me that they love me.'

    When he went to church that Sunday, the big hairy pastor met him at the door and hugged him, kissed him on the cheek, and told him that he loved him. At that moment he thought 'I need to be more specific in my prayers.'

    The Lord had given him exactly what he had prayed for, but it was not delivered in the package that he had envisioned. He adjusted his prayers to include a wife. Soon a lovely young woman joined that church. They hit it right off and today are married. His prayers were answered.

    When you pray, tell the Lord exactly what you mean and be specific. It is a personal relationship that we have with Him. Don't assume that He already knows it and because of that it will happen. God knows everything, but everything doesn't happen. You have a part in this and actually have to mouth the words. It is called praying.

    Many times I have prayed something very specific and saw God go even beyond it in detail. You are not scaring Him, for He is not just creative, He is the Creator. Yes He knows our needs before we ask Him, but I still saw the brother in this story being kissed by the pastor.

    Prayer: Father, I thank You for hearing my prayers and I am going to be more specific. Build my faith and teach me what I need to know, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.

    Note: Happy Sunday! We pray you all have a very blessed and peaceful day!

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56 comments
  • 2
Kath Paro
Kath Paro Dion~ Thank you for your message.  Pondering on this I see that the majority of the time I have been specific in my prayers.  When I'm not, I accept what the Lord has given me and am grateful He is listening.  My Higher Power knows me better than I know myself and gives me what I need not what I want.
May 1, 2016
  • 1
Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt AMEN, I believe this.
May 1, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, me too, Twila, so very true. Love you bunches.
May 1, 2016- Edit- Delete
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, this is so so true. God bless you my precious friend.
May 1, 2016- Edit- Delete
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David and Dianna Wyles
David and Dianna Wylesedited: May 1, 2016 Haha! Amen! Thanks for the chuckle! This is by far one of your more humorous devontions! I can even visualize that hug and kiss! Yes! I have had moments when I realized I got just what I prayed for and should be more specific ;) I have also had unsaid prayers answered so I know he hears our heart too<3 Thank you for the smile on my face and the wonderful devotion! God bless! Pastor's Prayer: Father, I thank You for hearing my prayers and I am going to be more specific. Build my faith and teach me what I need to know, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
May 1, 2016
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Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt AMEN!
May 1, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
May 1, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 2
Christine Thompson
Christine Thompson Amen!!
May 1, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, God is so good.
May 1, 2016- Edit- Delete
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Audry Reddy
Audry Reddy Lol!! Amen!! :D
May 1, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, God is so on time for all of His children. God bless you my precious friend.
May 1, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 2
Jeffrey Smith
Jeffrey Smith Haaa! Love it!! 
May 1, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, it was just what I needed today.
May 1, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 2
Norman Glaze Sr
Norman Glaze Sr Haha! Awesome. I worked with a guy named Ronnie Maynard in the Oilfields. Ronnie could find an Arrow Head, A chipped Out Buffalo, an Eagle, just about anything that Indians used to make. I confess I was very envious. I looked right along beside him, but never found one. While looking around again one day, I prayed "Lord, please let me find one of those Arrow Heads". No Luck. I was at a Laundry Mat a week or so later, looked down in the Washer, and there was an Arrow Head! I said "God, that is not what I was talking about", lol. Just had to share this. Love and Prayers
May 1, 2016
  • 2
Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt Love it!
May 1, 2016
  • 1
Deng Tembreza
Deng Tembreza what is an arrow head?
May 1, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Love it, but you did get your arrow head. Jesus works in mysterious ways. LOL
May 1, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 2
Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt Pastor Dion, I loved this devotional. God does know our needs and will met them. He also wants a personal relationship with us. He knows what is best for each one of us, and His timing is always right, and He never waist anything.
May 1, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, isn't is awesome that Jesus wants a personal relationship with Him, for us to sit or kneel or wherever or however we pray, He just loves it so much when we talk to Him. I probably talk His ear off sometimes. LOL.
May 1, 2016- Edit- Delete
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Mark Duell
Mark Duell I have learn't that over the years to be specific when paying. And not to be quite so specific. I started learning to be more specific in my prayers when out hunting. The Lord has a great sense of humor also. So when they say becareful for what you pray for...they know from experience as I do. He's a God of His Word.
May 1, 2016
  • 1
Mari Kaufmann
Mari Kaufmann Funny. Amen
May 1, 2016
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Brenda Hopkins
Brenda Hopkins Amen pastor that was a good word, I'm learning to be still and wait on God, I too am waiting in expectation for what God has for me you all have a blessed day today.
May 1, 2016
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Roseanne Braverman
Roseanne Braverman Thank you Pastor:)
May 1, 2016
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Cathy Card
Cathy Card Thank you so much for this  passage it is just what i needed this morning. Thank you for this forum i love coming here every morning it starts my day of perfect.
May 1, 2016
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Samantha Greer
Samantha Greer Amen!
May 1, 2016
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Beatrice &quot;Raye&quot; Huth
Beatrice "Raye" Huth Dear Father, Thank you for all that has been given; hear my prayers to help my husband.  He is a beautiful partner and helper in our marriage.  May I be more thankful and appreciative for all he does.  He is a tireless giver; in your name I pray for peace, love and tranquility in the World we live. Amen.
May 1, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member What a beautiful prayer, God bless you and your husband. I too have an amazing husband like that, he is always so kind and caring and since October, I have had two surgeries and he has to work, but he comes home, takes care of me, fixes our dinner and helps me with all the medicines I've been taking and still takes the times everyday to sit with me and just talk about our day and how when I get better, we have so many things we want to be able to do and I pray that I will be able to do them. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story. Love and prayers.
May 1, 2016- Edit- Delete
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Beatrice &quot;Raye&quot; Huth
Beatrice "Raye" Huth Thank you; prayers to you for a full recovery; may God lay his hands on you for healing and how wonderful that your husband is helpful in making this journey with you; step for step!!  A true partnership with our God as guide. 
May 22, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
May 22, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 1
Carol Pady
Carol Pady Amen our prayers should be as detailed as our thoughts. As the saying goes be careful what you ask for, because you just might get it. It's like praying for patience and then getting hit with long enduring trials, instead of praying for strength to endure and wait.
May 1, 2016
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Karen Pasquinelli
Karen Pasquinelli I prayed for patience before and then realized all the things that were happening was to teach me patience.  I am very patient today, bu will never pray for patience again...lol
May 1, 2016
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Carol Pady
Carol Pady Amen been there done that lol
May 1, 2016
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Karen Pasquinelli
Karen Pasquinelli LOL 
May 2, 2016
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Deng Tembreza
Deng Tembreza Lol too
May 1, 2016
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Karen Pasquinelli
Karen Pasquinelli LOL
May 2, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member AMEN AND AMEN, I want ever do that again either.
May 1, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 1
Karen Pasquinelli
Karen Pasquinelli LOL
May 2, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member AMEN AND AMEN, I never, ever pray for patience, been there, done that, do no more. LOL   Love you so much Carol.
May 1, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 1
Karen Pasquinelli
Karen Pasquinelli Amen!!!
May 1, 2016
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Christina Ocasio
Christina Ocasio Amen ♡ 
May 1, 2016
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Kim Dalton
Kim Dalton Still giggling at todays' message...and, appreciate the point that we should be specific when we pray. Giggling because I also appreciate a little humor thrown in...God bless.
May 1, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member A merry heart of laughter is medicine to our souls. 
May 1, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 1
Julie Schneider
Julie Schneider So true!! And I believe He wants us to pray boldy and ask for what we need and what we want.  I think it was in Guideposts yesterday ...Billy Graham said that heaven was full of answers to prayers that no one had asked for! Thanks for another great devotion....great food for thought.
May 1, 2016
  • 0
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, I too think Jesus wants us to pray boldy for the things that we need and the needs of others, I think that is a way of showing Jesus that we really know and believe that He can do the IMPOSSIBLE for us. (You have given us great food for thought.) Love you so much my sweet precious friend and earth angel. (You are such a blessing.)
May 1, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 1
Deng Tembreza
Deng Tembreza Humor is good and gives you smile.  Have a blessed Sunday everyone.
May 1, 2016
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Kathy Banfield
Kathy Banfield Oh how I can relate! As a young teen, I offered lengthy prayers that I'd marry a guy named "Bob"--a classmate I had a huge crush on. Well, I eventually DID end up marrying "Bob"--only not the one I had my heart set on when I was 14! I am convinced God has a sense of humor and has delighted me with His playful manner throughout my life.
May 1, 2016
  • 1
Diane Symborski✝
Diane Symborski✝ Amen!!! This is going to make me pay more attention to what i'm going to pray. <3 Thank you Pastor Dion for the beautiful devotion. :-)
May 1, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, love you Diane, I am praying you are doing great. Love you bunches and bunches, I look forward to talking to you soon. Love you bunches and bunches.
May 1, 2016- Edit- Delete
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen and Amen, I am going to pray more specifically too, I have so many things that I just need to talk specifically to Jesus about and thats what I am going to do. Thank you so much for this message today. Love you and Sylvia so much.
May 1, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 1
Wesley Paulus
Wesley Paulus Amen
May 1, 2016
  • 1
Heide Garner
Heide Garner aw  thankyou never really thought about this thanks idea rember that  more specif.  
May 1, 2016
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Scott Riegelmann
Scott Riegelmann Wow Amen pastor what a great reminder to be specific even personal with God when it comes to my prayer time, thank you pastor Todd have a super great week everyone!!! 
May 2, 2016
  • 1
Rachael Burke
Rachael Burke Amen
May 2, 2016
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Ticardo Williams
Ticardo Williams Amen.  Praise God!  Thanks Pastot Dion!  Lord, Build my faith and teach me what I need to know, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
May 2, 2016
  • 1
Rich Morgan
Rich Morgan I like specifics as it gets me away from a general bless me, bless all, amen types of prayer.  Not sure I would have been specific enough to say a beautiful young lady rather than a hairy preacher man, but I will not make that mistake after reading this blog :)
May 2, 2016
  • 1
Rosemary Marsh
Rosemary Marsh Amen.Praise God.Yes we need to be specific. I have learnt this.Teach me your ways OLord according to your word.,and all that I need to know.In Jesus name I pray.
May 3, 2016