LEARNING TO PRAY
LEARNING TO PRAY
I am convinced that your ongoing, personal prayer life is a major key to being the healthy Christian that God intends. And prayer involves many things including intercession for others. As your pastor I believe this is an important part of my job. I tell you to pray and try to teach you to pray. So, of course, I need to do it myself! I have my lists. Some I remember occasionally as I systematically go through the names of members, friends, and prospects of our church. Others I intercede for more frequently as they face the challenges of life. And some I just feel the need to pray for on a regular basis. And I’ll be honest about this- there seems to be no science to prayer. Sometimes answers come quickly and joyfully. And other times the need continues to linger and God seems quiet. I know we have to keep going, not quit believing. I guess one of the more frustrating elements of prayer is the fact that every person is a free moral agent. He chooses whether to cooperate with God and your prayers, or not. Sometimes I just know the person is moving toward a train wreck, metaphorically speaking. But he is not prepared to truly listen to reason, nor truly wanting to change. The situation can be frustrating. When this is happening, I believe the proper approach should be to continue to pray and love this person, and wait for God and time to do their full work. Perhaps 6 months from now this person will be more ready? Or, perhaps God will intervene in ways I have not imagined? It’s called faith! But, too often, I become frustrated with the person and want to throw up my hands and quit. If I listen, God reminds me: You cannot do that. This person is not here for you to manipulate. I’ve got this. Trust me. Keep praying and keep loving. Your prayers are working- just in My ways and My time frame.
I want to remind you that I, your pastor, will pray for you about anything. We can keep it quiet. All you have to do let me know. Also, we have Prayer Meeting on Wednesday evenings at 7 pm. That is just the name of the meeting for some churches. But we truly have a prayer list, give you opportunity to share your needs, and have a prayer time. Try it! Let’s learn to pray together. I would love for you to join me on this journey.
