Checking Under the Hood: Prayer

Pastor Todd focused, not on the “how” or “what” of prayer, but the “why.” He laid out five reasons why we should pray: Because God tells us to (and that is reason enough!), because Jesus prayed, because communication is vital to relationship, because prayer is the key to a Spirit-filled life, and because God somehow uses our prayers to accomplish His will.

I don’t think Todd’s teaching on prayer was new information for anyone who has been a believer for a while. The issue isn’t knowing; it’s doing. Perhaps you are one of the majority of Christians who realize their prayer life falls short. That realization is a nudge from the Holy Spirit. What will you – what will I – do about it, today? Are we finally ready to surrender our excuses and break through our inertia, today?

The way to start is by talking to God, which is prayer, about prayer. Speak out loud in private or write your prayer if that helps you stay focused.
Repent – Lord, too often I have disobeyed Your clear command to pray. I want to change.
Tell – Lord, these are the distractions, the issues, that keep me from praying the way You want me to. Be brutally honest with God. Telling God, “I feel like I have something better to do,” helps us realize how that sounds to Him.
Ask – Remind me that a prayerless day is a win for the enemy of my soul. Lord, show me how to make margin in my day to devote to prayer. Keep me constantly aware of Your presence.
Listen – Pay attention to the still, small voice of the Spirit. Is He instructing you about specific actions to take? Don’t delay in obeying.

Tell someone you trust about your desire to engage with the Lord in prayer more regularly and deeply, perhaps your small group or your spouse or a friend. Talk about the struggle with other people. We can help and encourage one another! And if you are part of the minority of Christians with a vibrant prayer life, please pray for the rest of us!

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert

 * This is an abbreviated version of our weekly prayer blog. For the full version, including congregation prayer requests, subscribe here.