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Prayerfully Living |
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Article by Tom Gilbert – July,
2006
We live, we breathe, we face life each day,
and sooner or later (if we are fortunate) we discover that there
is more to life than just our own thoughts, desires, wants and
needs. One of the most powerful ways to escape the bondage of
self is prayer. The very act of opening our hearts to a greater
power, a Universal Spirit – God is the word I use – is
the beginning of turning to something other than relying on
our own resources.
Is there a right or a wrong way to pray?
Ultimately, I think not. The use of prayer is powerful, and
we don’t have to say exactly the right things or even
have perfect motives to get results. However, there is a catch.
If you are praying with a narrow mind and the intention of
getting what you want just the way you want it then you are
bound to be disappointed.
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Something You Can Always Do
Praying can be something that we always
do, although admittedly this is harder than it sounds. Frequently
in my day when I turn to prayer I realize that I haven’t
been conscious of God’s constant presence. So, some self
discipline is required to develop a better prayer life. New
Testament scripture exhorts us to pray, even constantly (Ephesians
6:18). Ultimately we should strive to make all our waking moments
acts of prayer. We can live our life as one long prayer.
There are books constantly being written about praying. We
are given techniques to improve prayer, different ideas of
what praying can be, and ongoing insight into living a life
of faith that includes regular prayer.
Jesus, as recorded in the Gospels, made time for prayer. He
would often rise early in the morning and go off by himself
for solitude and prayer (Mark 1:35). This practice has become
popularized in recent years with the rediscovery of contemplative
prayer. A spiritual practice by some of the early Christians,
it involves sitting quietly without thinking or speaking and
turning
our
intention
to God. We are quieting our inner turbulence and letting God “speak” to
us in the silence.
Jesus also prayed for others, particularly in the moving prayer
to Father God recorded in the Gospel of John. He prayed for
the unity of his followers, that we might all know the intimate
personal relationship with God that Jesus has. He even prayed
for those who would believe in Jesus because of the message
he brought to us, that he was sent to us to reveal the Father.
The whole chapter 17 in John’s Gospel is quite beautiful.
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Examples Abound
Of course, we have many examples
in the Bible of praying during times of struggles, trials and temptations,
from Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane prior to his arrest and passion
to the many Psalms and books by the Prophets. Some of the greatest demonstrations
of prayer under trying circumstances are included in the Acts of the Apostles
and Paul’s many powerful letters.
The popularity of sharing prayer requests has certainly grown.
As scripture states, Christ told his followers “Where
two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst
of them” (Matthew 18:20). Web sites like our own at www.livingthesolution.com
allow you to submit your prayer requests and let us pray with
you for your intentions. Unfortunately, I frequently find large
numbers of prayer requests asking God to simply solve whatever
problems the person submitting the prayer faces. Surely God
does answer our prayers, but often it is in our living in faith
AND action.
God gave
us brains, creativity and imagination and it is a selfish thing
to ask God to give us what we want like it is a list for a
cosmic Santa Claus. What we think is the easier way is often
not the best way. Conversely, God might encourage us to do
something we see as too hard, but in the end will help us more.
We also should avoid bargaining with God in our prayers. God
doesn’t want our negotiation. He wants our allegiance,
our obedience and our willingness to do those simple things,
like love others, be kind, merciful and helpful.
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Here are some key ingredients that I think can improve the way you pray.
Be honest
Being real about your life, your limits,
God’s power and that you need some help is a good thing.
And it is okay to even be angry or frustrated and to tell God
that. God’s big enough to take it. Keep in mind that
we all need help. Some of the most honest prayers are simple
ones like “God, help me”.
Be humble
In our relationship with the Almighty it’s a good idea
to realize that while we are responsible for our thoughts and
actions we aren’t running the show. He is the potter;
we are the clay. (Isaiah 64:8; Jeremiah 18:6)
Be open-minded
Turning things over in prayer allows us to let go of struggling
to find answers to our dilemmas. God can and does work in mysterious
ways. Or God may just give us some practical insight. Don’t
be a know-it-all. That advice applies to me in submitting these
prayer tips.
Be willing
Having willingness to pray is essential. Be willing to pray,
to make the effort, and to set aside time alone with God communing
with Him. Furthermore, be willing to do the work/action that
the Holy Spirit suggests. If you keep asking God for guidance
His Spirit will provide it, and if you are honest, humble,
open-minded and willing you will probably discern that guidance.
Be grateful
Spending some of our prayer time thanking the Creator for the
amazing gift of life, for our many blessings, even for our
trials and tribulations that grow and stretch us will inevitably
put us in a better frame of mind. Jesus was constantly thanking
the Father and so were many of our spiritual brothers and sisters
featured in the Bible.
Read more
articles - index here
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You can submit your prayer request here and we will pray
over them.
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Scripture taken from the Holy Bible,
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.Copyright © 1973, 1978,
1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout
the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® and NIV® are registered trademarks
of International Bible Society. Use of either trademark for
the offering of goods or services requires the prior written
consent of International Bible Society.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible,
New Living Translation, copyright ©1996. Used by permission
of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 60189, USA. All
rights reserved.
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Recommended
Reading
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Pray With Purpose
Live with Passion
By Debbie Williams
order
here
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" For where two or three
come together in my name, there am I with them."
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(NIV)
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