In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. -Romans 8:26
I have been thinking and praying this week about the great needs in our Congregation, community and surrounding areas. Obviously, the devastation Ike left in its wake is very much on our minds. I have also been very much concerned about the needs that have been ongoing prior to Ike and those that have come to light which are not related to loss from the hurricane. The needs are great. In light of this, I wanted to share some of what God has been teaching me about prayer in recent months.
The word present may be defined as present-at this time, happening now, readily available. It is my conviction that prayer must be present (happening now, and in progress) in our lives as individuals and as a corporate body of believers.
The second definition is readily available. The discipline of prayer is readily available to each of us whatever our background or spiritual maturity. I find this particularly encouraging at this time. Wherever you may be, whatever situation you find yourself in at the moment, you can pray. God does not require our prayers to be beautiful and lyrical or even a certain length. We do not have to be at church or even in a specific posture to pray in order for God to hear us. He hears our heart even when there are no words. I am grateful. The needs are great, but we can rest in the knowledge that God is greater and is able to do more than we ask or imagine.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Beginning Prayer
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. –Romans 12:11-12
Many people I know are intimidated by prayer. They have the misconception that they must have the right words to pray or that they must somehow clean themselves up in order to enter into prayer. I’m glad this is not the case. I think God is more concerned that we come to Him. Still, how do you respond to someone that says they don’t know where to begin? It occurred to me a couple of Sundays ago as I worshiped that so many of our songs are prayers. This is a great place to begin. Even if you can’t or don’t want to sing, you can recite the songs themselves as prayers. Another place to start is reading the Psalms. There are prayers of all types in the Psalms. Sometimes, words are too difficult. The good news is that God hears our cries even when the words won’t come.
Wherever you may be in your prayer life, I encourage you this week to set aside time for prayer. If you still don’t know what to pray, ask God to show you. As you pray, remember that part of praying is listening to God as well.
Many people I know are intimidated by prayer. They have the misconception that they must have the right words to pray or that they must somehow clean themselves up in order to enter into prayer. I’m glad this is not the case. I think God is more concerned that we come to Him. Still, how do you respond to someone that says they don’t know where to begin? It occurred to me a couple of Sundays ago as I worshiped that so many of our songs are prayers. This is a great place to begin. Even if you can’t or don’t want to sing, you can recite the songs themselves as prayers. Another place to start is reading the Psalms. There are prayers of all types in the Psalms. Sometimes, words are too difficult. The good news is that God hears our cries even when the words won’t come.
Wherever you may be in your prayer life, I encourage you this week to set aside time for prayer. If you still don’t know what to pray, ask God to show you. As you pray, remember that part of praying is listening to God as well.
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