I know, if someone came up to you and asked, "What is your philosophy of ministry?" you would probably give them a weird look; I probably would too. How would you respond, though?
Many times we don't even know what we believe let alone what our philosophy of ministry is. At that point, we couldn't possibly respond intelligently. Do we believe that Jesus Christ is Lord? Yes. Is that all there is? No.
Just because we say that we are a follower of Christ (a Christian) this does not describe what our ministry is. Therefore, we need to know what our area of ministry is before we can truly know what our philosophy is.
We find out what our area is when we search for God. Many people try to take "spirituallity tests" to find out where they fit in. This is good aid but it is not a direct word from God. Looking at the test we may fault in what area we think we may fit in. This is why we need someone to grade the test and the person.
Let me explain. Wisdom and knowledge come from God. God appoints his wisdom to different people (of whom He chooses). This wisdom is then bestowed upon their listeners. Meaning: Pastors and teachers seek God for answers more than the normal lay person would. God gives answers to those who seek and honor Him.
Therefore, prayer is key in knowing what we believe. Prayer is communication with God (Our Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit). If we don't pray we won't know our direction. It is like going on a trip, leaving the compass, the map, and mode of transportation behind. We simply won't go anywhere.
Many people, though, claim they just don't know how to pray; this simply is not true. We don't pray because we won't pray. Prayer is easier to do than we are lead to believe. Prayer is simple communication with God. If we can talk to a friend we can talk to God.
You've probably heard the illustration about the person who quit talking to their friend and wonders why their friend is no longer around? This is a bad parallel to God but a helpful one. If we do not talk to God (who is our friend) it may seem that God is no longer around. He is around, we just forget what his presence feels like. If we do not regularly soak in His presence we become a hard rock, repelling His presence.
Then, what it is so hard about praying? Through prayer we defeat the enemy (Satan). Do you think Satan wants to be defeated? Of course not.
Our attitude usually determines whether we will pray or not. If we are in a bad mood we won't pray. If we are angry we won't pray (not civilized prayer, that is).
In adjusting our attitudes we will be more willing to pray. If you will recognize the fact that Satan does not want you to pray (and will try his best to see that through) you will find yourself on your way of conquering the enemy.
Simply make the effort of having a good attitude when you go into prayer. It is our attitude that will either lift us up or tear us down.
Okay, so you pray to God. What should we talk about when we are praying to God. God loves to hear about you and what you are doing. God loves to hear praises. God loves to hear you say thank you. God just wants to hear from you.
Many times people feel they have to pray a certain way, a perfect way. This is not true. God is a personal God. He is your best friend. We call Him Jesus Christ, our Father, our Guiding Spirit, our Friend. He is there when no one else would be. He is there when no one else could be. He is here for us.
May I ask you a personal question? How often do you pray on a daily basis? (Notice I didn't say weekly or monthly - That's right, we are to pray daily) If you are like most people you probably said not daily but weekly (like once or twice a week).
If you said daily, then great! If you said once, twice, or only three or four times a week then you really do need prayer. Prayer with God relieves stress, anger, sadness, anxiety, worry, hatred, jealousy, bitterness, frustration, guilt, loneliness, fear, sin, laziness, hurt, impatience, and a whole boat load of other bad things. God sets us at ease, giving us comfort, love, joy, purity, happiness, strength, patience, forgiveness, courage, righteousness, hope, friendship, and more.
Going to God in prayer benefits our life.
I want you, right where you are, to pause a moment and pray. I want you to think about what has happened today, yesterday and days before. Think about all the bad things that have happened. Then think about all the good things that have happened. After doing this give God praise; praise Him for the bad things and praise Him for the good things. Praise Him for the family and friends that you have. Praise Him for the family and friends that you don't have. Just give Him praise. Do this now then read the following paragraph to God (If you can, read it out loud).
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"God, you are my God. Here am I, your humble servant. I am a sinner and need your forgiveness. Lord, forgive me for not talking to you as often as I need. Forgive me for not loving you as I should. I want to be in your arms. I want to be in your fellowship. Make me your follower. Take me into your hands."
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Now, close your eyes and listen to the Lord. Listen to what He has to say to you. Listen to how much He loves you. Simply listen with your heart. Then when you are done, thank Him by giving Him honor and praise. Amen!
I hope you took the time to pray just now.