Lessons in Prayer: Part 1

May 19, 2020

Lessons in Prayer: Part 1

WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START

Years ago when I taught 4th grade, writing was a big emphasis in our class. I remember telling my students that they just needed to write and with time, they would be become better writers.  The same applies to our prayer life.  We can’t just sit back and say, I really don’t have time to pray or I am just not good at that.  The more we pray, the more natural prayer becomes.  

WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY

A couple of months ago, I was reading a novel called Bread and Wine, and the author, Shauna Niequist, shared that often times, people will not invite others into their homes because they they don't think they cook well or their house isn't put together enough.  She encouraged her readers to start small by ordering a pizza or just cooking one thing, but not to miss the whole experience of hospitality because fears get in the way.  

Just as with hospitality, sometimes our fears get in the way of our prayer life, and we are worried that we won't have the right words.  The reality is that there is no perfect prayer.  There is no formula.  There are no rules.   

Also, I know I have experienced times in my life, and I am sure you have to, where you can't even find the words to pray.  The Bible says the Holy Spirit will help us pray (Romans 8:26-27) and that He will intercede Himself!   Praise God that He gave us a HELPER that is with us all the time and will step in and help us pray. 

 
WHEN YOU FEEL DISTRACTED

If we are praying and getting distracted or we don't feel "as close" to the Lord, let's try not to be discouraged and just stop all together...instead let's focus on being faithful.  There is nothing more the devil wants to do than to distract us and make us believe the lie that we aren't doing it correctly.

Years ago, I heard pastor Matt Chandler share a sermon on abiding.  It reassured me to hear that not every prayer time was an "AH HA" moment with the Lord.  It was more about being faithful with his time and seeking the Lord.

So instead of seeking perfection ... let's faithfully seek His Presence.




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