Recently I have had a number of conversations with people about prayer. Its something that I think that every christian struggles with at different points in their lives. They questions like these how do you pray? whats right to say? whats wrong with my prayers? Am I praying wrong? Is it even possible to pray the wrong way? Do my prayers need to be pretty? Do I need to yell when I pray? If I am not hearing God is that a sign that he doesn't love me? and on and on. These are just some of the questions I have been asked or ask the Lord myself.
I honestly don't have a lot of answers, my prayer life is not perfect. Sure God and I are currently in a good place but we have been through a lot. There was a lot of trial and error on my part with learning how I communicate best with the Lord, what works best for us probably wouldn't work for most people, but it works for us.
So because I have really very little advise to give regarding prayer God gave me this:
"When you come before God, don't turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers; hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat?
Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you wont be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.
The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advise, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don't fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:
Our Father in heaven.
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what's best-
as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.
In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can't get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God's part.
When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don't make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it wont make you a saint. If you 'go into training' inwardly, act normal outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush you teeth, wash you face. God doesn't require attention-getting devices. He wont overlook what you are doing; he'll reward you well."
Matthew 6:5-18 (MSG)
I added the bold points for parts that I liked, or talked to me but I hope that this helps you. I hope that for those of you that have a great prayer life that this encourages you and for those who are struggling I hope that it takes off some of the pressure. Remember that its your Father your talking to, He already created the world for you, you do not need to impress him. Just talk to him.
Remember to do your part, talk to him. Be intentional with him, don't give up because you think its hard push through. Listen to him and for him. Most of all don't be to hard on yourself, prayer is supposed to be a wonderful thing don't let it become a task or a chore.
Finally if you need a little help with your prayer life, go to the word. Its wonderfully full of good things that can help you and encourage you.
Love,
Ashley
I honestly don't have a lot of answers, my prayer life is not perfect. Sure God and I are currently in a good place but we have been through a lot. There was a lot of trial and error on my part with learning how I communicate best with the Lord, what works best for us probably wouldn't work for most people, but it works for us.
So because I have really very little advise to give regarding prayer God gave me this:
"When you come before God, don't turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers; hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat?
Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you wont be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.
The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advise, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don't fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:
Our Father in heaven.Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what's best-
as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.
In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can't get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God's part.
When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don't make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it wont make you a saint. If you 'go into training' inwardly, act normal outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush you teeth, wash you face. God doesn't require attention-getting devices. He wont overlook what you are doing; he'll reward you well."
Matthew 6:5-18 (MSG)
I added the bold points for parts that I liked, or talked to me but I hope that this helps you. I hope that for those of you that have a great prayer life that this encourages you and for those who are struggling I hope that it takes off some of the pressure. Remember that its your Father your talking to, He already created the world for you, you do not need to impress him. Just talk to him.
Remember to do your part, talk to him. Be intentional with him, don't give up because you think its hard push through. Listen to him and for him. Most of all don't be to hard on yourself, prayer is supposed to be a wonderful thing don't let it become a task or a chore.
Finally if you need a little help with your prayer life, go to the word. Its wonderfully full of good things that can help you and encourage you.
Love,
Ashley
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