Monday, June 6, 2011

Prayer Life Warning

Prayer is such an amazing thing. I've seen "miracles" happen as a result of prayer. It is amazing to see such things take place!

Have you ever felt a great feeling after you pray? I love that feeling. To see your requests leaving you and going to God. He knows how to answer and deal with them in the most perfect way. However, His "perfect way" may not be our perfect way, so we must learn to submit to His decisions concerning our prayers.

In Matthew 6:5-8, Jesus warns his hearers about the showiness of their prayers. This kind of action brings the attention on you and I, instead of focusing it onto God. Here are some applications to choose from..

  • Educate Yourself ~ Prayer is mysterious, when you open yourself up to it. The initial concept of "talking to God" may not be that mysterious. However, the fact that you are talking to the Creator of the universe, the Great Healer, the Great Comforter, and any other description you want to put out there is awesome. The simple idea that He allows you to communicate directly to Him is humbling. So, read, listen, and put into practice more about prayer as you live life.
  • Don't Act ~ As the privilege of prayer is to talk to God, do it with all sincerity. Jesus addresses "hypocrites" and challenges his hearers not to be like them, a play actor, and really understand the importance of prayer.
  • Find "Your" Place (to Pray) ~ It is advantageous to your prayer life to have a place you like to commit yourself to and pray for situations

Prayer is good in several different realms. It can help protect people, heal people, calm you, and many other potential things that we must keep in perspective as we go to God in prayer.

2 comments:

Lynn Hare said...

Thanks for the great insights on prayer. One of my favorite things is praying for others. It seems that when we connect the power source (God) to the person needing the prayer, we are encouraged and strengthened in the process. One of my favorite verses is "He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." (Prov. 11:25). I've experienced that personally in a very powerful way.

Unknown said...

I am preaching through Matthew and have just come to the Lord's Prayer - verses 9-15 of Matthew 6 next week. So, stay tuned for more prayer discussion.
Care to expand on your "experience?"