Tuesday, August 7, 2012

8/8/12- direction in Prayer


One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”
He said to them, “When you pray, say: “‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come  (Luke 11:1,2)

And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
“This, then, is how you should pray:“‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, (Matthew 6:7-9)



SCQ. 100 What does the preface of the Lord's Prayer teach us?
A. The preface of the Lord's Prayer, "Our Father in heaven", teaches us to come near to God with full, holy, reverence and confidence, as children come to a father who is able and ready to help us.  It also teaches us to pray with and for others. 

Thoughts: Prayer for Christians is directional.  It is not just talking to the air, or repeating the same mantra or word over and over until we enter into a trance-like state.  It is directed to the Father, and in trust that He cares and is able to do something in answer to our prayers.  They are not just cries, but conversations, addressed to a personal God.  The point of prayer is not simply to relieve blood pressure and lower heart rate- signs of inner peace (though many studies have shown prayer brings peace and such physical signs of peace).  Rather the point of prayer is communication with a person- to God. 

Prayer: Father, help me to grow in trust in you, and may my prayer be directed to you.  Incline your ear to hear and bring your hand to help 

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