You are currently browsing the tag archive for the ‘prayer’ tag.
In his book, Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster says, “of all the Spiritual Disciplines prayer is the most central because it ushers us into perpetual communion with the Father.” He goes on to say, “to pray is to change”. This change is a change to make us more in the image of God.
I know prayer is important. I see it all throughout the scripture. So why is it so hard for me to do it? Don’t get me wrong I pray but not as I know I should. I pray most of the time for my wants, I pray when it is convenient for me.
However, I want to pray more for other people rather than myself. I want to pray without ceasing as the scripture says. It is a battle daily between my spirit and my flesh on when and how I should pray. Sadly more than not my flesh wins. I wish the desires of the flesh were not so strong, but they are.
The only way my spirit is going to win this battle is if I just pray more. I have to remember Fosters quote, “to pray is to change”. The more I pray the more God has a chance to make me in his image. Therefore, I end now to give myself a chance to practice what I am talking about!
Why have we lost the sacred art of meditation as Christians? I don’t mean clearing our mind of everything, but rather filling it up with thoughts of our Lord. As the scripture says, “pray without ceasing”. Have we forgotten how to commune with God on our own? It seems that the only time many of us talk to God or hear about God is in church, where a priest or a preacher is telling us about God.
I just got a crazy feeling that God wants more out of us. In fact, I believe He wants all of us. He created us to fellowship with Him. Are we fellowshipping enough with Him? Do we long to truly be in His presence? With life the way it is sometimes, I must honestly admit that I am not in constant fellowship with Him as I should be. I allow the little things of life to distract me at times. I do want my relationship with God to be better so the only way it is going to get there is if I just do it. Start slowing down, not allowing the silly things of life to distract me from the more important Spiritual things in life, namely my relationship with the Creator. Therefore, this week I am practicing the lost art of meditation.
Lord, you have provided me with my needs and even my desires.
You have always been there for me, even when my life seemed chaotic and out of control.
I have hope in my future because of your unfailing love.
When I feel the world pressing in around me, I am not scared for your spirit comforts me.
When my enemies come at me, you give me strength to stay strong.
I feel more peace in my life than I feel pain, because of your love.
Lord, I know you are always with me. Help me remember all these things when my faith drifts from you. Amen.
Inspired by Psalms 23
