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| February 23, 2002 |
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| "And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. . . ." Luke 11:1-2 The process of prayer is the heartbeat of our faith in our Lord! It is a God given gift for each of His children. In one way, praying is the easiest thing to do because we know that we have a Father in heaven who is able and willing to give us everything we need. All we have to do is ask in faith and trust in Him. In another way, prayer is sometimes difficult for us to do because we often don't know what it is we really need. Let's look at King Solomon a moment. He had a dream after he succeeded to the throne of his father David. God appeared to him and said, "Ask what I shall give you." Solomon remembered all the goodness God had shown to David. Many things Solomon could have asked from God, but in his heart he knew he needed one thing above everything else, and he asked for an understanding mind to govern God's people. It was then that he received the answer, that God would also give him what he had not asked: riches and honor above all other kings (see 1Kings 3:13). Christians today need to think about King Solomon's faith and trust in God when they pray also. Are we praying selfishly in asking for things for ourselves? Or are we praying for others and asking for God to help us serve them and bring them the love of God? We can be assured that when we ask things for others, and show them God's love, we also will receive many blessings we did not ask for. The purpose of prayer is communication with God! But remember that a full and effective prayer life is more than a shopping list! God invites and encourages us to bring all our requests to Him, and He also desires we accept His will according to His Word as we pray. "Not my will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42), our lives are altered in a fundamental way! Is your will and desires in line with God's Word for your life? When we pray, allow God to bring your will in line with His through the Word and Sacraments. Just think! God's will becoming your desire~ what a glorious thought! May your day be wonderfully blessed as you pray, indeed, that the Holy Spirit cause your will to come in line with God's. Love in Christ Jesus, Sandy |