On Prayer

The summation I hear most about prayer is, "It's boring." People have written books about "how to pray." I've blogged about this before, but while at a Christian book store, I saw more than a couple of dozen titles on prayer - why to pray, how to pray, when to pray, short cut prayers, fun prayers, sure fire prayers... The list goes on.

If we gave the same amount of energy to actually DOING prayer that we do to finding reasons why and short cuts to, we'd have rend the heavens by now. ;)

I'll be honest, prayer isn't always grand and fun for me either. I don't see answers as soon as I'd like, or in the manner I like. But the more I discipline myself to believe in prayer, the more I see it working.... in me.

Jesus said this in Luke 18:1, "Jesus told them a story showing that it was necessary for them to pray consistently and never quit."

If Jesus prayed, and He admonished His disciples to pray and not give up, we can do no less. In the midst of His miracles, preaching and displays of power and wisdom, Jesus's disciples asked one thing. "Teach us how to pray."

We are so busy with programs and other things prayer gets shoved aside. Most of us can atest to prayer meetings being the lowest attended meetings.

On the God channel, God.tv, both on the web and Direct TV, Mike Bickle from the International House of Prayer does daily devotionals and teaches us, like Jesus, how to pray. What does he do differently than the other proponents of prayer?

He demystifyies it. He makes it simple but alive. Mike teaches how to pray using the Word and worship. And, to be honest, he's anointed with authority to do it. I've heard him speak truths that have stayed with me for days, even years.

When we humble ourselves and stay before the Lord with the intimacy of prayer, we grow in knowledge, love and authority.

Don't lose heart in prayer. Keep the vigil. The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.

Pray for Faithchick friend, Kristy Dykes who is having brain surgery this Thursday.

Rachel Hauck lives in central Florida with her husband. She is an '85 graduation from The Ohio State Univerisity and traveled internationally as a software trainer. But, writing is her love, ans she hopes to spread the fragrance of Jesus with her words. Her current release is DIVA NASHVEGAS from Thomas Nelson. Look for SWEET CAROLINE coming February 2008.

Check out her current releases and musings on her web site at www.rachelhauck.com.

Comments

[julie carobini]

I just tonight finished up a five week study on prayer by Kay Arthur. When I learned we'd be doing a study of The Lord's Prayer, I admit I wasn't all that enthused (ducking from lightning bolts here). I thought I knew all there was to know (yeah, lol). But I learned so much, and now find myself using that prayer as a guide to worship and fellowship with God and prayer for both myself and others. I'm so thankful for studies that take me deeper and then let me go at it ...

[Rachel Hauck]

Julie,

I agree. The Lord's Prayer is so simple we kind of blow through it, but when we pause to go deeper, peel back the onion layers, so to speak, the Lord's Prayer is a mountain of instruction and insight.

There's nothing like just sitting down, focusing and listening for the Lord's voice.

Now, to keep my mind from wandering!

Love, Rachel

[Deena @ My Bookshelf]

Father, I lift Kristy up to You and ask for Your comfort and healing to be upon her. Quiet her heart and let her hear Your voice whispering in her ear. Prepare the dr.s and nurses who will care for her with wisdom and compassion, and send believers into the lives of her family who can be both prayer support and arms to hold them up. I pray for a good outcome and a quick recovery. Thank You for my sister Kristy and her faith in You.
In Jesus' name, amen.