Prayer part 4

As we wrap up this miniseries on Prayer, How to Talk with God, I wanted to share one last thought on prayer.  This might be the most difficult, yet important, aspect to talking with God.  

When it comes to prayer, God’s opinion is the one that matters most.  Our prayers should be genuine, honest and simple. There are moments when it may seem difficult to pray.  It might be challenging during those hard times, but realize that you can still pray, hear from God and be heard.  Dave Ramsey says about success with personal finances are 80% behavioral and 20% head knowledge. It’s the putting the plan into action that makes it difficult.  Praying genuine, honest and simple prayers are 80% doing it, and 20% head knowledge.

Paul, a church leader who wrote a large portion of the Bible, encouraged the followers of Jesus in Thessalonica to pray without ceasing. I remember the first time hearing that statement.  I thought it was the stupidest thing I’d heard up that point in my life. Does God really expect me to walk around throwing thee’s and thou’s and hedges of protection around for everyone to hear?  Does God really expect me to drive, walk, go to school or work with my eyes closed?  

When we have a confused perspective on prayer, it can seem like the wisdom from the Bible is foolishness.   Understanding that God is looking for genuine, honest and simple prayers changes our perspective. When Paul is encouraging the followers of Jesus to pray without ceasing, he’s encouraging us to talk with God and listen for God’s voice throughout the day.  

There’s a man named Brother Lawrence who wrote a book entitled The Practice of  Presence of God.  He explained how while doing normal everyday functions we could have a conversation with God as if he was there with us.  

Here’s the reality.  Humans are spiritual beings wrapped in a physical body.  We can’t really touch the spiritual aspect of our lives, but we know it’s there.  This is why as humans we hold funerals when someone passes away, saying kind words about the individual.  This is also why some of us can have all the material possessions and yet yearn for more. It’s not more materialistic things we actually desire, its purpose and significance that we actually crave.  As spiritual beings wrapped in a physical body, understanding that God, another spiritual being, is present with us even in the moments we can’t sense or feel Him. The more we Practice the Presence of God, the clearer we understand God’s voice in our lives.  

Some of us may have grown up practicing our faith, but as we moved up in years, we may have walked away from that practice of faith.  RE.THINK Church is a safe place for anyone to explore their faith or even reconnect with his/ her faith. Our purpose in existing is to help lead people in a maturing relationship with Jesus.  We understand that for some people, exploring the faith they once knew might be a starting point. If we can do anything to help with that process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Email me personally at [email protected].