The Challenge of Prayer
Last night at Theophany we began talking about living a life led by the Spirit and devoted to prayer. The reflections I offered in the sermon last night were designed to give us a broader understanding of human nature from Genesis 3 and Romans 8 in regards to prayer and the Spirit--namely, our tendency to 'hide' in the things of this world and to 'cover up' our loneliness, contrasted with a life that 'shelters' and abides in the Spirit through prayer.
This week I hope we can use Table Talk as a place to continue our discussion on the life of prayer/life in the Spirit. Specifically, I thought it might be helpful to discuss tangible ways we can work out our callings to be devoted in prayer.
With that said, I'll throw out a few beginning questions and see where you all take the discussion.
What is the most significant challenge that you face when you pray? What methods, techniques, or patterns have been helpful to you in prayer? Where do you find direction from the Word to help you pray?
Also, when you get a chance, check out http://www.rejesus.co.uk/spirituality/index.html. This is a website that fuses ancient spiritual practices with our present day culture. I've found it helpful when working at a computer to have guided prayer online, just to offer a break during the day. There's even an online labyrinth there. Definitely worth a quick browse!
Peace...
Jack
This week I hope we can use Table Talk as a place to continue our discussion on the life of prayer/life in the Spirit. Specifically, I thought it might be helpful to discuss tangible ways we can work out our callings to be devoted in prayer.
With that said, I'll throw out a few beginning questions and see where you all take the discussion.
What is the most significant challenge that you face when you pray? What methods, techniques, or patterns have been helpful to you in prayer? Where do you find direction from the Word to help you pray?
Also, when you get a chance, check out http://www.rejesus.co.uk/spirituality/index.html. This is a website that fuses ancient spiritual practices with our present day culture. I've found it helpful when working at a computer to have guided prayer online, just to offer a break during the day. There's even an online labyrinth there. Definitely worth a quick browse!
Peace...
Jack
posted by Theophany@Church Street | 12:50 PM
1 Comments:
I think we learn to pray when we most need to pray. I learned to come to God early in my life and early in the day because I have a tendency to wake up depressed and worried. It used to bother me and I thought something was wrong with me (and of course there IS something wrong with all of us, we are fallen men and women in need of our Savior). God has absolutely NEVER, EVER failed me if I come to Him. Sometimes I am given the spirit of confession, othertimes it will be peace or praise or an insight into God's will for my life. I pray as I read God's word and my devotion books. If I am in real spiritual turmoil, I have a journal beside me where I write the problem in my head and God's word for that problem. And yes, no matter what the outward circumstance, the problem lies within me and between me and God. The more time we spend with God, the more we realize just how much He loves us and desires nothing but good for us. Therefore every trial we face, every single one, can be a ticket into the arms of God.
Also I urge you if you haven't already to begin specific prayers for others and keep a secret - between you and God - list. Your faith in your prayers will increase as you begin to see God's hand moving when you pray.But beware, and it is a good and Holy beware, God will answer but quite often you will be amazed and surprised by His wonderful answers to your prayers.
Just happened to think what I am going to do. I am going to make a list of each name I see here and begin praying for each of you. (Well, I guess I didn't keep that a secret, but since I am anonymous, it is sort of secret, isn't it?)
Love to all in Christ.
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