Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Your Christmas Prayer

Christmas comes to us as a time of praise and joy. The pink candle of Advent reminds us of rejoicing in this season. The angels at the time of Jesus birth spoke those words: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those who whom he is pleased." Luke 2:14

Churches in this season will be offering up prayers for peace and good will. It is appropriate amid all of the warfare and violence that we see taking place.

However, what will be the focus of your praying at this time of the year? Are there any concerns that you feel would be appropriate to lift up to God in prayer?

The prayers of Israel were answered by God sending the Messiah in the fullness of time. We can also believe that God will continue to hear the prayers of his people.

May the blessings of the Christ-child be in your heart.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Praying with Conviction

We can pray with little confidence in what we pray for; it's as if we think there is only a slim chance that the prayer will be answered. Why might this be? Maybe we feel we are unworthy. Maybe we we feel the timing is off for us. Maybe we feel God may not really care that much about me.

Note the conviction that the psalmist had in addressing God: "For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God. " Psalm 62:5-7.

We do need to look at our image of God as we pray. Do you have a God who is your fortress and a mighty rock? What you believe about God will make a difference in how you pray and even with your expectations.

Do you believe in a great God who can do all things? What is the measure of your faith?

When you do believe strongly in a God who is everything to you, you then can pray with conviction.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Knowing that Others Are Praying for You

The apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Ephesians: "I have not stopped giving thanks in God for you. I remember you in my prayers and ask the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, to give you the Spirit, who will make you wise and reveal God to you, so that you will know him." Eph. 1:16-17.

Paul desired to pray for the Christians in Ephesus. He is most thankful for their acceptance of the Gospel. In the beginning of the letter, he enunciates the blessings believers receive in Christ.

Now, think, too, from the vantage point of the readers of this letter. They are informed that Paul is praying for them. The one who brought them the Gospel continues this relationship with them.

What is it like to know that someone is praying for you?

I believe we have to look at the perspective from the person on the receiving end. It is comforting to know that someone else is so concerned about your welfare as to pray for you. Think now of what it must mean to say to someone: "I'll be praying for you."

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Prayer Changing Us

Prayer is usually looked upon and used was a way to change circumstances. You pray for a neighbor who is sick. You pray for peace in the Middle East. You pray to pass a course at school.

However, might not the very act of praying also change you as a person? Yes, reflect on this for a moment. It probably won't come with just a quick prayer here and there. Rather, as you are deeply engaged in the act of praying, prayer has the power to change you.

Maybe you will come to realize your dependence on God after many hours of praying. You can't go through life alone. You need divine power and help. Maybe you realize that since your prayer doesn't seem to be answered the way you would like, God has a different destiny for you that changes your inner being.

I believe that this change is often a neglected part of prayer. I do believe that God wants to shape us through this holy act of praying. As we are in conversation with God, we also might be changed (for the better) in the process.