Prayer’s Conundrum: Does God Hold Off The Rain So Our Party Can Be A Success?

I’m looking forward to hosting something called the K-Club this Monday through Wednesday. The K-Club is made up of Evangelical Free Church pastors from around the nation who lead churches that have 1,000 or more in attendance – so all of them are truly gifted leaders in their own right.

This of course makes leading the discussions a real challenge – a lot like herding cats (or better yet, lions). By end of our time together I’m always wrung out.

But right now, the big issue I’m thinking about is a dinner party that Nancy and I always host on the opening Monday night. It’s a sit-down dinner in our backyard. We’re supposed to have 50 or more show up this year. It’s a big deal for Nancy – she works hard to pull it off. And the weather report says it’s supposed to rain. So of course we are praying that the rain holds off at least until late Monday night.

Which raises a deep theological question: Does God stop the rain for everyone else when we pray that our party – or picnic – or wedding goes off as planned? And what if someone else is praying for the rain to hit Monday night so their Tuesday morning event goes off well? Does the most spiritual one win?

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4 Responses to “Prayer’s Conundrum: Does God Hold Off The Rain So Our Party Can Be A Success?”

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1 Matt March 7, 2011 at 8:29 am

Larry, I’m on Jeff McNicol’s staff, and he will be with you. He’s such a great guy to work for and with him and Carolyn there, I can’t imagine that God would not anwer your prayers.
Just have him pray and I guarantee the clouds will part. I’ve seen it happen here in PA many times.
2 prof don metz May 9, 2011 at 3:14 pm

larry i have written a book about my son he lived 16 years and died of d. m. d the sickness jerry lewis does the t.v. show for every labor day weekend i would like you to read it and produce it for me we write and think alike please email me back
3 davidclaytonsr July 19, 2011 at 12:54 pm

Larry,
Come on- feed us some more from your blog site. We need it. Your practical, godly thoughts are helpful.

Thanks
David
4 Dan Minnich September 1, 2011 at 1:10 pm

Well here it is September 1st, 2011 and I was wondering if it rained on your dinner party.

Does God stop the rain for everyone else when we pray that our party – or picnic – or wedding goes off as planned?
Well, God is God and he can stop the rain, part the waters, make a castle crumble, or bring down fire from heaven if he wants too. Amen?

And what if someone else is praying for the rain to hit Monday night so their Tuesday morning event goes off well? Does the most spiritual one win?
I believe maybe it has less to do with the individual’s spirituality and more to do with God’s agenda. Which prayer Glorifies God greater, perhaps? Do my prayers and desires align with His will?

I read and believe God asks us to pray all the time and rely on Him for all good things. It’s about choosing Jesus and thus glorifying our Father in heaven.