Prayer

· is speaking;

· is listening;

· is a public and corporate act of worship;

· is a private act of devotion;

· is very simple (in concept);

· is very hard (in practice);

· restores us;

· undoes us;

· is a response to the pain and injustice we see and experience;

· leads us into forgiveness (God for us, us for others);

· is vital to our life of faith, both as individuals and as a community;

· is resting in the loving, healing presence of God.

Prayer...

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Prayer

Prayer is the quintessential act of Christian devotion.

For various reasons (e.g. illiteracy, availability), not everyone can read the Bible. And not everyone feels a strong draw to worship, at least, not in one of the many forms and traditions equated with worship. But prayer? The statistics on prayer are staggering. At some point or other, just about everyone engages in some form of prayer. It is, simply defined, communication (or communion, connection) with God.

How should I pray? And what should I expect as a result of my prayers?

The forms of prayer are too numerous to list. Prayer can be spoken, sung, cried, danced, painted, thought, or written. You can stand, sit, kneel, lie down, or leap about. You can pray when you wake up, as you wait for a red light, as you’re writing an exam, and as you watch the news. You can pray at the dinner table, on the train to work, as you drive your car, and even, maybe once in a while, in church. Prayer is available in all forms to all people in all places at all times.

Be that as it may, Jesus did have some pointers to give when his followers asked him to teach them about prayer (see Matthew 6.5-13 and Luke 11.1-13). Here are some of the highlights:

· Prayer isn’t about what others think of you. Just go get alone with God somewhere. (Mt 6.5-6)

· You don’t have to use fancy words. Just speak honestly and simply. (Mt 6.7)

· Prayer isn’t just about asking for stuff (God knows what you need). It’s about connecting with your “Father” (Mt 6.8-9).

· Remember that God is awesome and holy (“hallowed”), but also that He is your loving “Father”. (Mt 6.9)

· The heart of prayer is surrendering our will/desire to God’s (“your will be done”—Mt 6.10).

· Ask daily for your physical needs (“daily bread”), spiritual needs (forgiveness), and protection from all evil (Mt 6.11-13).

· Whatever else you do, keep praying (Lk 5.5-10)!

· The ultimate reward of prayer is a stronger connection with God’s living presence, i.e. the Holy Spirit (Lk 11.13).

Want to go deeper?

If you would like to learn more about prayer, or if you would like someone to pray with you or for you, we would love to help make that happen.

· Our Pastor can pray with you in person or even on the phone.

· Our Prayer Chain is full of people who will hold up specific prayer requests on an ongoing and regular basis on your behalf. All requests are treated respectfully and with complete confidentiality.

· The third Sunday evening of every month (except July, August and December) is devoted to meditative worship, scripture reading, and prayer. Please join us at the church starting at 7pm until about 8pm.

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

2 Chronicles 7.14

“Lord, teach us to pray…”

Luke 11.1