"Why must people kneel down to pray? If I really wanted to pray I'll tell you what I'd do. I'd go out into a great big field all alone or in the deep, deep woods and I'd look up into the sky - up - up - up - into that lovely blue sky that looks as if there was no end to its blueness. And then I'd just feel a prayer." L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables.
I know what she means.
Prayer.
We are told as Christ Followers from the time we walk the aisle and "ask Jesus into our hearts", and even before, that we need to pray.
When we face tough decisions those who advise us usually start with an admonition to pray about it (whatever it is that we're facing).
We are taught in church that we should pray.
As little children many of us had parents that would pray with us at bedtime. My dad prayed at our table before every meal. He had two prayers depending on who was there. I can remember both word for word.
Prayer is important.
In the church world, there is prayer during worship. There is prayer during small groups and Bible Studies. Most church meetings open and close with prayer. Some have prayer sprinkled during the meetings as well.
Prayer is important.
Just this past week, in fact, was the National Day of Prayer in the United States.
Prayer is one of the spiritual disciplines, something to be practiced consistently.
(An aside - An article I read recently on spiritual disciplines at churchleaders.com asks the question, "What are the Spiritual Disciplines?" The article states this. "There is no consensus list of spiritual disciplines. The Bible does not include a set list. So different authors list different disciplines - some more Biblical than others."
The article continues, "I believe 12 primary spiritual activities were practiced by Jesus and prescribed for all believers in the Bible: study, prayer, fasting, confession, worship, fellowship, rest, celebration, service, generosity, chastity, and disciple-making." (12 Spiritual Disciplines That Will Make Your Faith Strong by Brandon Hilgemann)
In fact, I looked up several articles on spiritual disciplines and, while they differed, all included prayer.)
I can quickly conclude if by no other measure than the fact that Jesus prayed regularly and taught his disciples how to pray that prayer is important and I should pray.
Prayer is important.
For those new to the faith the questions about being a Christ Follower often center around prayer. While there is much to learn about prayer, I think it is best learned by practice.
I offer here two things to help new disciples get started with a habit of prayer.
First, take a look at what is often called The Lord's Prayer. When Jesus was asked by his disciples how to pray, he answered this way to teach them..."This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'"
Jesus goes on to talk more about prayer, but for simplicity, let's stop there. My recommendation would be that you simply read through this model prayer and think about what He was trying to say. Read the words. Think about them. Note: The words are not magical. They are not some hocus pocus that if you recite them just right good things will happen to you. They are simply a guide for how to have a conversation with God.
For example, let's start with the first two words. "Our Father..." I think Jesus is trying to say that God is someone you have a relationship with like a family member. He's not some cosmic killjoy waiting to "smite" you down. He's a father. He's a good father. Talk to Him like you'd talk to your dad (assuming you have a good relationship with your dad). Get the picture?
Second, I'll share something that's worked for years for me that has helped me in my own conversations with God. This is how we taught prayer at New Hope in the class Discovering New Hope years ago when the class also included a section on introductory discipleship.
A.C.T.S.
Think of the acrostic A.C.T.S. as you pray. The letters represent words that describe what could be components of your conversation with the Lord.
A - Adoration - As you pray, praise Him. Speak truth to Him about His attributes. He is Holy. He is mighty. He is everlasting. He is all knowing. He is amazing! The focus is on Him. Don't talk about you or thank him for anything, just focus on Him. If the words don't come, just be silent and reverent in His presence.
C - Consecration - Coming clean. Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. You can't hide anything from God. He already knows about everything. Here you're just agreeing with Him that you have sinned. Messed up. Even if only in your thoughts. Ask for forgiveness.
T - Thanksgiving - Spend some time thanking Him. Count your blessings out loud. If you really stop and think about it, you could pray for hours simply thanking Him. If you woke up this morning, you have something to be thankful for. Breathing? Be thankful. Reasonably healthy? Be thankful. Roof over your head? Get the picture. There is an old hymn called Count Your Blessings. Look up the words. You'll be glad you did.
S - Supplication - Humbly present your requests to God. He does know your needs already, but He wants to talk to you about them. Ask for anything that's on your heart. I believe God hears and will answer all requests. I believe He will answer yes, no, or wait. But He wants you to ask. Ask for the wisdom to spot temptation and the way out of that temptation that He will provide. Habitual sin in your life? Ask for release. Big decision coming up? Ask for wisdom. Needs in your life related to finances, health, or any other provision? Present your requests to God. And the peace of God which is beyond all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
So there you go. It's just a guideline. Just a suggestion.
The important thing is that you pray. Regularly. Talk to God. About everything. Then listen and wait for His answers.
Prayer is important.
Do it regularly (daily or more often) until it becomes a habit.
Prayer is important.
Be disciplined.
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