WATCHWORD:
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love. Jude 1:20-21
Meditation:
Prayer
What is prayer? Do we turn to prayer as a last resort? Do we pray only when circumstances are crushing us down? Or do you pray about nearly everything in your life? Do we consider prayer as an exercise in common sense that prepares us for some greater work for God? Is prayer part of your meditation, or does meditation prepare you for prayer? All kinds of questions, sometimes the questions themselves can cause us to turn to prayer.
Oswald Chambers tells us that prayer does not equip us for greater works – prayer is the greater work. The most basic definition of prayer is a conversation with God, including what I share with God and my listening to the Holy Spirit. Prayer has nothing to do with meditation. Prayer is not passive, it is a conversation with God, and nothing else. No middle man, just you and God. It is the communication of the human soul with the Lord who created the soul. Now that is something to think about.
The most important point is this: prayer is the primary way for belief in Jesus Christ to communicate our emotions and our desires with God, in fellowship with God. This is precisely why Christ died for us, to open the door for direct access to the Almighty. Prayer is the primary media. Being able to pray is the greatest gift that you and I have ever received.
Here is a tough question: Do you think we treat praying during the course of a worship service as serious? Often it feels like the Lord’s Prayer is something we simply recite because we have it committed to memory. Before the pandemic we held hands. I don’t think that’s necessary, but, I do see prayer as communal, that is a shared fellowship communication with God, and as personal, and private interaction between me and the Creator God.
When Paul spoke of praying without ceasing, he was underscoring the reality that we have direct access to God, and we must never forget that. I find that having direct, personal access, through prayer, to God, is reassuring, calming, and peaceful. I also find that when I pray for others, and this may sound a little bit crazy, but I sleep better! It’s true, there is something about intercessory prayer that is calming, selfless, and focuses on loving others. it is my soul speaking to God, personal and private. So be it.
Thoughts on the Lord’s Prayer:
First. it starts with recognition that we are addressing the One who is Creator God over all. The Our Father makes it personal. As you pray the rest of the prayer remember that you are speaking directly to God, just the two of you, personal and private. He is your Father, your Abba, your Emmanuel, and He loves you. Savor the words, don’t rush, think each phrase through. and don’t forget to express your gratitude.
Closing Prayer:.
Our Father, which art in heaven, holy be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, they will be done in Earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: for thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Father I am so thankful that I am Your child. In Jesus Name, Amen.
