"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." -Colossians 4:2
Why are we commanded to "continue steadfastly in prayer"? Because we are insufficient to do anything of eternal value on our own. We need the power of the Spirit to obey God, to understand His Word, and to make wise decisions. We are dependent on God for everything. Seeing our need should keep us on our knees because we recognize that we need God.
Prayer is something I feel completely inadequate to write about because it is an area of my relationship with God in which God is still developing me. This past weekend, I was assisting at a statewide BCM retreat back home in Georgia, and the theme of the weekend was prayer. Out in the boondocks of central Georgia with no cell phone reception or Internet access (we did have indoor plumbing and electricity, though), God provided me with ample time to spend time with Him. Since being back in Birmingham with plenty of snow and an empty house, I have had four days of silence and reflection. Four days to talk with God, to face the grime and grit of my own heart, to search the Scriptures, and to prepare for small group, which starts up in two weeks (I can't wait!). And during this time, God directed me to preparing a Bible study on prayer. To be honest, I didn't want to do it because I didn't feel qualified (I still don't) to teach others to do something that I am still struggling with myself, but when God calls, I can't say no (like in OMC, if you're a CentriKid staffer). The result - I'm being pushed to study what the Word says about prayer and to spend more time praying as I prepare to teach others to pray. If you want to know more or to know what we'll be studying that night in small group, just let me know. In the meantime, here's a short reflection on the subject.
What is prayer?
It is a time of communion with the Lover of your soul, the Maker of your frame, and the Giver of all things.
It is a time of transformation.
It is a time of recognition of our greatest need, which is for God.
It is a time of humility as we recognize God for Who He is and, at the same time, see the truth about ourselves.
It is a time of sacrifice as we release ourselves and our desires to the sovereign Lord Who is entirely trustworthy.
It is a time of relinquishing to the Lord the control you try to have over a life that no longer belongs to you.
It is a time of praise as we honor God for being the only One who knows all, who hears all, who can do all things, and who cares about us.
We see Muslims diligently praying five times a day to Allah because they think their salvation depends on it, and Hindus pray to gods who cannot hear them, see them, or help them. We serve the One True God Who is real and Who does care, and while our salvation does not depend on how many times a day we approach Him in prayer, our salvation should be evident by our communion and communication with Him. We have a personal relationship with the God of the universe, and we so often go about our day without even acknowledging Him. What does this say about us?
How often do you pray?
How do you approach your time of prayer?
What is the content of your prayers? (Does it resemble a shopping list more than a conversation with the One Who is both Father and Almighty God?)
“As it is the business of tailors to make clothes and of cobblers to mend shoes, so it is the business of Christians to pray.” –Martin Luther
Lord, teach us to pray. Burden us to pray. Help us to take delight in communing with You.
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