Prayer and Follow-up

Here is the postcard that we use to send to folks for whom we are praying.  They get to be reminded that we are praying for them.  On the card we ask them if they wish for us to continue praying for them.  Maybe their circumstance has changed and wish to be taken off our list.

An important thing mentioned on the card is that we do read the names of people we pray for aloud during our worship.  We believe that each individual is important before God.  I believe that this should make an impact on the person for whom we are praying when they read this.

With this postcard we are doing our follow-up to prayer.  How much follow-up do you do with your own praying?  If praying for someone, do you inquire from time to time how things are going for this individual.  For someone to know that you continue praying for him or her can be a big source of strength.

Praying in Secret

Here is the slogan on our outdoor sign for this week.  The words are based on Jesus' teaching on prayer as found in Matthew 6:6, "But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret." 

I realize that much of our praying is done in church publicly; and, of course, you may be one who prays at home where it is a more solitary experience.  Jesus is stating that we are not to make a show of our praying and praying in secret is a way of safeguarding this posture.  The Pharisees were known for praying in public in order to be seen by others, and you might say prayer was misused.

When you pray in secret there are advantages.
1. You are removing the temptation to develop pride about yourself from any outward display.
2. You are open to your own self-examination and have the time to do it.
3. You are open to pour out your heart to God without fear of criticism from others.
4. You are in a venue where you can listen to God, and prayer becomes a dialogue rather than a monologue.

Think about where you pray and how it works for you.

 

Making a Wish

This slogan appeared recently on our outdoor sign at church.  We might wish for many things in life - some of them being nothing more than a pipe dream.  Usually, when we do have a wish, we are hoping  for something big.  While there is something big that we desire in life, there, too, might be a smidgeon of doubt that it will actually materialize.  In the end, it only remains a thought that comes and goes.

Let me tell you how your wish might come true.  Put your wish into a prayer.  Do you believe God is big enough to handle what you want?  If so, you have the resource that you need.

I believe that it is a sad fact of life, that there are many things for which we do not have, because we haven't bothered to ask God. The book of James says, "You do not have, because you do not ask."  James 4:2.

The next time you are daydreaming, think about what you really desire in life that would bring value to you.  Think, too, about committing yourself to a life of prayer.  Ask for it.

Finding the Solitude for Prayer

Finding solitude for prayer can be challenging.  If you live in the country, it might be easier than if you live in the city.

Jesus himself found it challenging to find the right spot for prayer.  St. Mark wrote about Jesus:  "In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed.  And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, 'Everyone is searching for you.'"  Mark 1:35-36  Where can you go where there will be peace and quiet, and where there will be no interruptions?  For most of us, it's not easy in today's world.

I find it challenging myself even when at home.  There always seems to be noise from a construction truck, noise from the fire truck going down the street, and noise from a neighbor that infringes on the solitude I am seeking to achieve when I want time with God and for prayer.

At least, I do think that we need to find a suitable place where we can bring our attention to God.  If it has to be at home, then we need to discover the best time of day.  It isn't easy and there will always be a myriad of forces trying to impinge on our private time with God.   Be ready to overcome it and make that divine connection - regardless.  It will be well worth it.

Praying in the Spirit

Are you praying with full reliance on God's power when you pray?  A verse from Ephesians popped out at me as I was reading through this letter.  Here is where the apostle Paul wrote:  "Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication." Eph. 6:18

When Paul wrote about praying in the Spirit, I believe he means that we are not to take lightly this activity of prayer.  We are not to pray as if prayer is some type of magical incantation.  Praying in the Spirit means that we take seriously our activity of prayer.  We believe that when we make a request, our prayers will ascend to the throne of God and that we will be given every consideration by God in what we have said.

When you pray, do you feel that you are praying in a way where there is a sense of majesty and power through your very words?  Do you pray as if you are connecting directly to the greatest force in the world? Praying in the Spirit will make all the difference.

Praying for Power in Witnessing

I'm sure there are a lot of us who wonder if we really have the ability to witness to our faith.  We might not have mastered all the theological jargon; and as a result, we might feel at a loss.  Then, too, we might fear saying the wrong thing or not know how to express ourselves adequately.

Now, I realize that - yes - we do need to give some attention on how we present ourselves.  I also realize, too, that we are not alone in this endeavor of witnessing.  God seeks to work through us.

We have the words of the apostle Paul:  "Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel."  Ephesians 6:19

We can and ought to pray not only for ourselves, but be praying for one another, that we would be able to provide a bold witness to the gospel.  I note in the apostle's wording that he mentioned the mystery of the gospel. We might not have it all together in our understanding of God's work in sending Jesus, yet we can still proclaim the great working of God to save us.

So, I believe to overcome our reluctance in talking about Jesus to others, we ought to be praying about our witnessing.  The Holy Spirit can do great wonders through us as frail human beings.  We are the instruments of God - broken vessels - in order to bring God's message of wholeness in Jesus Christ to others.

Prayer as a Component of Decision-making

My sermon on Sunday will mention that prayer was necessary for the apostles when a replacement had to be found for Judas.  Here is the text from Acts 1:23-24: 

"So, they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias.  Then they prayed and said, "Lord, you know everyone's heart.  Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place."

There are certainly many times within the life of a congregation when an important decision has to be made.  While we might just want to rely on majority rule, the invoking of God's presence can be a powerful force to work in the hearts of all those involved.  There are times when insight and guidance is definitely needed.  The reason is that we would like to see and say that God's will is going to be done.

However, even in your personal life, there are probably times when you are in a quandary.  You need to look outside yourself in order to arrive at a decision.  This is where prayer ought to come into the equation.  It shows not only a reliance, but also a partnership with the Creator.

So, what might be pressing on your mind today?  Could you consider prayer as a component in your decision-making?