Pray like this: Our Father who art in heaven . . . (Matthew 6:9).
I'm putting a few thoughts together for a prayer ministry that will be meeting at my church each Monday evening. What I am writing here will not be the final form, but I find that writing out a few of my thoughts helps me to think more. The next few posts are a part of my thinking process, so here we go.
A simple dictionary definition of prayer is that it is a solemn request for help from God or an expression of thanksgiving to God. From the model prayer the Lord Jesus gave us, prayer is also an acknowledgement of who God is--He is holy and he is our Father. By implication, God is our creator and redeemer. Prayer, then, is not just asking and thanking, it is acknowledging the relationship that God wants to have with us.
Prayer is an exercise of faith. First, it is a part of the body of faith that is to be believed and obeyed. Second, God is a spirit, He cannot be seen, touched, smelled, tasted or heard unless He wills it. Thus, whether it be in church, at home or in the forest, that prayers are getting a listening higher than the treetops is a matter of believing God's word. But the Bible tells us that the just shall live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:17, Hebrews 10:38). We cannot have a relationship with God unless it is by faith. One of the ways that faith grows is through prayer.
How is your prayer life--is your faith growing?
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
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Note to self: In the final form use Hebrews 11:6 "And without faith it is impossible to please God. For those who would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him."
Prayer is the practice of faith.
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