Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Luke 11:1-2 -- On Prayer and Focus

"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


This is the beginning of a lesson on prayer that Christ taught his disciples.  I think it is worthwhile to stop here and talk about this first part because it really explains the whole nature of prayer.  When we come before God in prayer, we focus on him, we address him, we compliment him, and we show our concern for his goals... in other words, we really talk to him like we're talking to a friend or family member.  We don't typically run up to our friends and blurt out a list of what we want for our birthdays for the next 10 years.  And yet, I think we too often do that with God.  God isn't a genie whose only purpose is to grant wishes. :)  He's our father, and also a supernatural being that has a plan for world peace and prosperity that will really work.  Let's show some respect. :)

I think it's also important to point out the fact that before asking for anything at all, we're asking that God's will be done.  It's good to remember that his will always comes first, before our own.  That's a hard thing to remember, because we are all naturally pretty selfish, but again... that plan for world peace and prosperity, and actually the plan for our own personal long-term success (the one that will actually work)... those depend on God.

Today, let's learn how to pray more effectively.  Let's talk with God rather than just demanding things. :)  Let's honor all that he does for us, and put his plans before our own.  Let's remember that his way and his timing are always right, and have patience and faith in our trials, learning as we go along, and knowing that he is preparing us for greater things.

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