Hurricane Irene Prayers

Another disaster hit our country last weekend with Hurricane Irene. While it hasn't been as severe as other hurricanes to hit our shores, the total cost of damage will be quite high.

This presents another opportunity for us to pray for those families who have lost a loved one or who are trying to recover from damage to property. In worship last Sunday, we did pray for those who suffer from natural disasters. We realize that there are circumstances beyond human control.

Your prayers can come individually, with a group of friends or co-workers, and also be presented at church. None of us knows when something like this can come and upset our lives.

Your prayers can be offered to ask God to help people recover from the hurricane in their rebuilding and also at the emotional level in dealing with the trauma of what has happened.

Developing a Style of Prayer

Do you have a certain style of praying? Have you ever thought about this before? Just as writers have developed a style of writing, so it is that perhaps you have developed a certain style of praying. You might want to take some time to reflect on your praying. Here are some considerations in regard to your prayers that might exhibit your style.

1. It might be in how you address God.

2. It might be in your choice of words.

3. It might be in the pacing of your praying...allowing for pauses (think meditation)

4. It might be in how you have structured your prayers (thanks, confession, adoration, intercession)

5. It might be according to the type of needs you feel are around you that you present.

There is nothing wrong with having a certain style of prayer. Jesus, too, gave us a model prayer in which to use. However, don't be afraid to change it up once in a while. Make sure you are putting yourself into your praying and that it does not become just lip service without your heart. You want to feel as if you are entering the throne room of God as you pray.

Empower God's People through Prayer

We at Savior Divine just received a shipment of customized T-shirts for our church. Since prayer is a big part of our congregational life, we felt it appropriate to have a saying about prayer on the shirt.

The saying comes from one of our members and offers us a glimpse of how prayer is a foundation and empowering force for our life individually and together as a congregation.

I believe it is important for us to remember that prayer comes as a privilege. We certainly are not worthy to approach God because of our own disobedience; yet, God in his mercy, allows us to be in communication!

It is through prayer that we can have the force of being empowered to do greater things than what we could have ever imagined (John 14:12) . Jesus even talked about us having the ability to move mountains with a small amount of faith! (Matthew 17:20) . When we pray we are placing our needs and concerns into the hands of almighty God who created us and continues to sustain all creation.

The phrase "one prayer at a time" reminds us that we do sometimes take baby steps in moving forward. God's timing can be different from ours. Yet, we pray believing in the awesome power of God to use us for his purposes.

I hope that as others see the members of Savior Divine wearing these shirts that they will be inspired to draw upon prayer. Will you?

Finding Your Centeredness

Do you know what is the driving principle for your life? Is there something you can identify that is foundational in your life to help you through the difficult times in your journey?

Phileena Heuertz in an online video gives a talk about the importance of living from your "centered belovedness."

The focus of her talk is on contemplative prayer. This is one way of structuring your life so that you have God rooted in your living. I invite you to watch the video and consider how prayer might become more integrated in your life.

You Learn Prayer by Praying

How do you become a great writer? You write, write, and write. How do you become a great musician? You practice, practice, and practice. How do you become great at prayer? I would suggest that you pray, pray, and pray!

Certainly, becoming a great writer or a great musician demands getting some expertise along the way. When it comes to prayer you might have a mentor or you might engage yourself in reading books on this topic or even by following this blog. However, nothing will take the place of actually doing the praying. You need to experience the highs and lows of prayer. As you become more immersed in prayer, you will discover what it takes to really keep at it and the many ways God might decide to answer your prayers.

One must be careful here. Prayer is not merely an activity of what works and what doesn't work. It's all about establishing a relationship with God. It is building trust in the eternal God. It is putting your whole life into the hands of a loving God who knows you better than you know yourself.

So, if you want to learn more about prayer - one thing you must do - keep on praying!

Viewing Prayer as a Great Adventure

Who does not like a great adventure? Whether it is taking a scenic drive to a place you have never been, exploring the ocean depths, or climbing a high mountain? You take up the journey because you know that what you discover might be breath-taking and be worth all the energy you have put into it.

Can you say the same thing about prayer? Do you see it as a great adventure for yourself?

If you don't, then I would have you examine your faith. Prayer becomes a great adventure because we cannot calculate what God can do; we cannot even predict what God can do! In fact, what God can do can be breath-taking in itself.

Let's say you are trying to find a new direction for your life - whether it is for a new line of work or for living in another city. You could try to read books and talk to as many people as possible. Or you could commit your concern to prayer. In so doing, you will never know what doors might open for you through divine intervention. This act of constantly praying is "research unlimited" for you. You are placing everything into God's hands.

I hope you won't miss the adventure. Don't settle for less - pray!

"I Will Pray for You"

You have probably heard these words at a trying time in your life. You are at your wits end and have poured out your soul to others. Then someone upon hearing of your situation says, "I will pray for you." Have you felt uplifted? Or do you pass it off as just another kind word that comes along?

Now let's put yourself in the position of the one who speaks these words to someone else. Do you say these words just as a trite expression or do you really mean it? Are these words spoken because you don't know what else to say and the words seem to give comfort in an awkward situation? Or could it be that you really believe these words.

Here's the thing: Embodied in those words is the statement that you are connecting with the most powerful force in the universe. Your praying for someone else could make a life and death difference! Whether you speak those words or are on the receiving end, don't take them lightly. You never know what God might do!