Tag: God

Prayer Mentoring: Speak Normal

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Jesus said you are on Earth and your Father is in heaven, so let your words be few. Too often we measure a successful prayer life on length of time and not quality of what is said. Don’t be super spiritual when you pray. Be simple, real and authentic. Sometimes this will cause short prayers, other times your prayers will last a long time. Here are some tips on speaking normal.

Drop the King James talk
First, most people don’t understand the grammatical rules of the King James english to being with. While similar to our English, it’s not the same. If you don’t talk to your friend or spouse that way, there is no passage in Scripture that says we need a special language for prayer. God communicated his words in plain understandable language of the day.

Lordly Lordly prayers
It’s ok to use pronouns. Here is what I mean, talk to your friend or spouse and use their full name and titles before and after each sentence. If that seems really strange do you, you’re not alone. I often see people get uncomfortable or even think they don’t know how to pray because they don’t say all of God’s names in just about every sentence. Address God, and then use pronouns. Again, talk as you would to any friend.

Repetition
Prayer is a conversation. Prayer is not repeating a mantra. There are times we may repeat a phrase like the Psalmist did. ‘His love endures for ever.’ Again, this is something often over done. Is it ok to ask God about one thing in multiple prayers? YES! There’s even a word for that- it’s called petition, and Jesus encourages it.

Clarity of speech, humility of heart
The goal of praying should be clarity of what you say and humility of your heart. Often verbose prayers are about outward appearances and not a heartfelt talks with a living God. Speak plainly. If you don’t know how or what to say, talk through it as you would any friend. Prayer isn’t impressing God, it’s living life deeply with God.

The bottom line:
Talk to God like you would a friend. Prayer is not a religious game. Prayer is a conversation between you and a living God.

Prayer Mentoring: Praying through challenging times

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Life in a fallen world means we’ll be facing hard times. Often these hard times are a means God uses to draw us to Himself.

Pray
We say prayer should be a first response not a last result. Prayer is really both. The challenge of hard times comes when all we can do is wait.

Pray Scripture
The Bible gives us many patterns for prayer. Paul particularly records prayer thoughts for our benefit. The Bible says that if we ask according to the will of God we know we have that what we ask. Praying through Scriptures is helpful in this regard.

Psalms
When going through a challenging time the best word of advice I received was to find a Psalm, grab hold of it, and pray through it regularly. So, step one- search the Psalms and find one that speaks to your situation.

Meditate
Biblical meditation is filling our mind with Scripture. It’s an act of focus on God’s Word. This is different from Eastern meditation that focuses on emptying one’s mind. Choosing a Psalm helps in filling our minds with Scripture. So, step two- read and focus on this Psalm regularly.

Journal
This can take on many forms, but one thing you want to do is to record God’s faithfulness. By choosing a Psalm it can guide you about what to write. Step three- write what Gods is doing.

The bottom line:
Prayer is key to navigating hard times. Often we don’t know what to pray as we wait for God to show up. Pick a Psalm and grab hold of it. It will guide and sustain you through challenging times.

For peace?

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People often ask for peace. I spoke with young men this morning about for keys to having peace. A good reminder for us all.

1) Work through conflict Phil 4:2-3
Work through or help others work through conflict. Avoiding conflict will result in a lack of peace. Choose courage and work through conflict.

2) Worshipful spirit Phil 4:4-7
When we rejoice and thank God for all situations we have peace. A worshipful spirit means we trust in God’s plan. Choose joy, it demonstrates faith.

3) Make disciples Phil 4:8-9
What we focus on we’ll see in others. By focusing on good things we’ll see it others, and then take the next step to apply to our own lives. This is the discipleship process. Making disciples leads to peace. Choose to focus on Nobel things and live them out.

4) Be content Phil 4:10-14
Possessions can distract us or they can propel us. We can accomplish God’s will with what we have. We can bless others and help others accomplish God’s will when we have an abundance. Choose to be content with what you have, it will maximize your ministry.

The bottom line:
If you’re lacking peace from God, check these areas as a start. They’ll take you a long way on the road of peace.

Prayer Mentoring: Big picture

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In the past few weeks we’ve look at what prayer means, how to pray, our country, attitude, motivation… In learning to pray we must never forget what is critical to the process… We need to pray.

So, right now, stop what you’re doing, and just talk to God.

In learning about something we can easily get lost in the details. Prayer is talking to God. Like any relationship, consistent and constant communication is important. Talk to God. He loves hearing from you!

Prayer Mentoring: Motive

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The glory of God should motivate us to pray and how to pray. To glorify is to reveal one’s self for who they are. God wants to be made known and for people to understand who He is. Prayer is central to that.

Our work
Whatever we do should be for God’s glory while also giving thanks (Col. 3:17). Life is a stewardship of the resources God gave us. Our job, ministry, family, life are all areas of stewardship. The question is who are we working for? If we’re in Christ, then all we do is for Christ. How we work demonstrates our faith in Christ.

Our ministry
Paul prayed for the Philippian believers that their love would grow… to the glory of God (Phil 1:9-11). Again, our actions show our faith in God. Paul also reveals to us that this is a process. It’s not a check list, ok, got it done. Our ministry motive of the glory of God should propel us to grow in our love and service. Prayer helps keep this in mind.

Our aim
Paul prayers similarly for the Thessalonians (2 Thes. 1:11-12). When we look at our work or we look at our ministry, all of our lives should be centered on revealing who God is. Our conduct and actions show the goodness of God. If we don’t have this motive in mind, our life and ministry will be off, and so will our prayers.

The Bottom line:
God’s glory should be a motivating force behind our prayer life. Glorification revolves around revealing who God is. A life motivated for the glory of God and prayers for the same produce profound results in eternity. The question comes down to this: who are we living for?

Prayer Mentoring: Attitude

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Attitude counts. Like in any relationship, bad attitudes create bad results. When we pray, we need to make sure we have a proper attitude towards God.

Authentic
Matthew 6:5-15 describes the Lord’s Prayer. Before and after the prayer Jesus addresses our attitude. Prayer isn’t a check list thing, or showmanship. Prayer is a genuine conversation with a real God. Be real and be genuinely concerned for others.

Faith
James 1:5-8 describes the need for faith. Let’s face it, Jame’s words are hard to take. If we doubt then we’re unstable. Prayer is an act of faith where we realize and submit to God being in control. This is one of the hardest aspects of our relationship with God- waiting on and trusting in Him.

Obedience
1 John 3:22 describes the relationship between obedience and God acting. Again, like any relationship, if you violate the relationship things get awkward and out of sorts. A heart that seeks to live out God’s Word is key to God answering prayer. (Note verses 20! God is bigger than our mistakes!)

Humility
1 Peter 5:6-7 describes what is essential to any relationship and especially to God. Humility goes a long way in relationships. Key to this verse is submitting to God, recognizing He is in control. Note that these verses are not a legalistic pacify God thing. God’s heart is to exalt and to care for His own.

The bottom line:
Our attitude matters when we talk to God. If you sense your prayers are not heard or being ignored, check your attitude. Don’t focus on false piety- be real. God wants to hear from you and He wants to answer prayer.

Prayer Mentoring: How

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Just talk to God as if He’s right there with you, because He is. Communication involves three key things: the sender, the message, and the receiver. Prayer is communicating to God. It’s that simple.

God talking to us
God’s communicates to us through creation (Psalms 19:1-6; Romans 1:18-23), the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21), the Spirit (Romans 8:14; 1 John 5:6) and God’s people (Ephesians 4:15; 5:18-21, Colossians 3:16). We’ll explain these areas further in the future.

Us talking to God
Prayer is the means we use to talk with God. We already looked at the various words for prayer. What is amazing is God hears our prayers and wants us to communicate with us!

Elements of prayer
When we pray we address God the father (Matthew 6:6,9; John 17; Romans 8:15; Ephesians 3:14). We are able to have access to God the father because of Jesus (1 Timothy 2:1-7; Hebrews 2:14-18; 4:14-16). Jesus and the Holy Spirit help us in our prayers, the Spirit even acting as an “autopilot” when we don’t know how to pray (Romans 8:26-39; Hebrews 7:25)! Because of these things, we close our prayers “in Jesus’ name” (John 14:13-14).

Content
When praying, we should ask in faith (Mark 11:12-14, 20-26). God’s Word is key to this. Even more so as we should ask according to God’s will (1 John 5:14-15). When we pray according to the Bible and in harmony with God’s promises we should expect to receive (1 John 5:14-15; Matthew 7:7-11). If we do not ask or ask with wrong motives, we should expect nothing (James 4:2-3). A bulk of future posts will deal content.

Where
We can pray anywhere. But, I’d take to heart the message Bill Hybels shared about “the chair.” Find a place where you regularly meet with God for Bible reading and prayer. It’s the foundation for growing your relationship with God. Relationships take time. Find your chair.

The bottom line:
Prayer is simply talking to God. We address God the father because we have access to Him through Jesus. Not only that, but the Spirit also helps us in praying.

Assignments:

  1. Pray.
  2. Find your chair. (Place to meet with God.)

Prayer Mentoring: Asking…

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The words for prayer in the Bible mean to ask. In studying prayer I found this shocking. Often people feel guilty about just asking God for things and not just talking to him. Asking is part of being a child of God. My sons often ask me things. In fact, that’s a majority of our conversations. Why? So glad you asked…

Words for prayer in the Bible
Hebrew– Palal (Genesis 20:7; Deuteronomy 9:20; Psalm 5:2; 1 Samuel 1:26)
Greek– aiteo (Mark 11:24; James 1:16)
Main meaning: To ask on behalf of another, intercede.
Related meaning: To ask or to demand.
This is the most common word for payer used in the Old Testament.

Hebrew– sha’al (1 Samuel 23:2; 30:8; 2 Samuel 2:1; Psalm 27:4; Psalm 122:6)
Greek– deomai (Luke 22:32; Romans 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 3:10)
Main meaning: To ask for guidance, inquire.
Related meaning: To ask.
This word is used when the one praying is in great need.

Hebrew– paga’ (Jeremiah 7:16; 27:18; Job 21:15)
Main meaning: To ask for grace.
This word is a highly emotional term in which one beseeches God.

Greek– proseuchomai (Romans 8:26; Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 1:9; 1 Timothy 2:8; Hebrews 13:18)
Main meaning: To pray, ask, beseech.
This word is the most common term for prayer in the New Testament.

The bottom line:
Though our talking to God should involve man different activities, like worship, thanksgiving and confession; prayer seems focused on one activity: asking. Next week we’ll look at the basics of prayer. I’m very grateful for the work Pastor Matthew invested in teaching men how to prayer. Much of these blogs comes from notes passed down from him.

Assignments:
Pray.
Find a tool that works for you to record what you asked God for. Include three things: date, request, and how God answered.
If you have not already, seek out a prayer partner to work through this journey with.

Prayer Mentoring: Just talking to God

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A few different and disconnected things in life pointed to the issue of prayer. Prayer eludes us often. We love it, it’s hard work, and often we don’t always understand it. Even the disciples- those traveling regularly with Jesus- struggled with the issue of prayer and asked “Lord, teach us to pray.” Given these things I want to write about prayer and it’s role in our relationship with God.

Prayer mentoring
Prayer is something that is caught not just taught. I would not classify myself as a master of the subject. I frankly don’t think I’ve had enough life experience to say I’m great in this area. In the prayer mentoring posts I want to echo mentors of mine who have taught me to pray, as well as share things in my journey with prayer. Blogging & writing isn’t the best way to learn how to pray. So, if you’re following this, seek out a partner to walk through this with.

Just talk to God
Just pray. Don’t try to be poetic or anything, but just start praying. A mentor of mine in college and seminary said this: “If something is truly worth doing, it’s worth doing poorly.” The meaning of this proverb is this: You just need to start. You can always improve. Don’t let “am I praying wrong?” stop you from something that is important. Actually, something that is vital. Talk to God like He’s right there in the room with you… because He is!

Just ask
Matthew records Jesus saying this: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you… If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” We have not because we ask not, so just ask. That’s what prayer means, to ask. Here is a thing you can ask God for right now: God, help me learn how to talk you.

The bottom line:
Prayer is vital to our relationship with God. Prayer is also something that is caught not just taught. There are two key things to prayer: talking to God, and asking. In future posts we’ll focus on a different aspect to prayer. Most likely these posts will be on Tuesday. Ok, here’s your assignments for this week…

Assignments:
Pray.
Seek a prayer partner to work through learning how to pray together.
Ask God to help you learn how to pray.