Attitude toward Prayer

Do you think that God intended for us to pray on the run? Can prayer become a quick fix when we are in a jam?

I believe God intended more for us through the medium of prayer. After all, it is a privilege that we can even approach a holy God. Consider the words from the apostle Peter: "The end of all things is near;^* therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers." 1 Peter 4:7

If we realize how short our time is on this Earth, then we must make every minute count. We must realize that life is precious and that what we do here in this life will spill over into eternity.

The apostle is saying that praying becomes "prayer" when we are serious about it. We are willing to put ourselves into it and "discipline" ourselves. What might this look like?

1. We will bring our concerns - small and large - before God.
2. We will believe in the power of prayer.
3. We will expect to see God act and will patiently wait.
4. We will look for the will of God to be done through our praying.
5. We will pray with a sense of humility.

A quick prayer can be just words, where we have not really put ourselves into it. God wants our heart along with our words. Yes, it's all about the relationship.

Bothering God

Have you ever been afraid to approach God with a request? Maybe you felt unworthy to ask for something. Maybe you just felt that God could not possibly come through for you considering the circumstances.

I was reflecting on the Gospel reading for last Sunday, which is taken from Luke 18:1-8. It's a parable Jesus told of a widow who came before a judge and wanted justice for her situation. The judge was deliberating and then we read, "⁵For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, “Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.” Lk 18:4-5

The widow would not give up. Now, here was a judge who had no faith in God and probably cared less about the woman's plight; nevertheless, because of her persistence, he granted her justice.

Certainly, God is more caring and loving than the judge in this parable. Ought we not be willing to bother God with something that we really want? How badly do you really want what you desire?

Prayer as Trust

There are times when we do call upon the Lord for help. We have a faith that knows that God is needed at a given time. We also trust that God will be able to help. We might have a modicum of knowledge when it comes to Scripture, knowing how God has delivered his people. We believe that this same God can also help me.

We have the words of the psalmist who penned his words of prayer: "My trust is in you, O LORD; you are my God. I am always in your care; save me from my enemies, from those who persecute me." Psalm 31:14-15

Our trust in prayer can only come from believing that God has the power to make a difference in our lives. I believe that too often we cut God short. God is no bigger than our largest problem. When we realize that God is infinitely capable of helping, then we can have the certainty and the trust that God will use a way to help us that goes beyond what our human minds can imagine.

Do you have a trust in God to pray for whatever your concerns might be? How big is God for you that would allow him to work in your life regardless of the circumstance?

Praying for Healing

This coming Sunday the individual prayer for health and healing will be offered in worship. This prayer is holistic in nature for the healing of body, mind, and spirit. I offer the prayer twice a year.

We remember that Jesus had a three-fold ministry that was made up of preaching, teaching, and healing. I think sometimes that the church has given short shrift to this third aspect of Jesus' ministry. Jesus in his public ministry wanted people to experience the kingdom of God by experiencing healing.

Jesus had a desire that people would find wholeness. I think we have the same desire today for ourselves - not only that we would be physically healed, but also that emotionally we would find stability, and also know that we can find healing for any brokenness we have in our relationship we have with God.

This service also includes praying for those making important medical decisions. Some of these decisions are tough to make in regard to a course of treatment. We pray for God's guidance in the decisions that are made.

Is there a way in which you need healing in your life? Will you allow Jesus to help you find wholeness for yourself?