"TEACH US TO PRAY"

We find this request from the disciples of Jesus recorded in Matthew the 6th Chapter, "teach us to pray". Let's face it, most of us have an inconsistent prayer life. Even more accurately, we tend to pray only when there is some trouble, sickness looming, or we have a friend or family member up against it in some way.

Furthermore we find it amazing when we learn that people like Luther prayed 3 or 4 hours on a daily basis. How did they do it when we often pray for only a few minutes if that many? This word from the Maven is meant to be practical if nothing else, so here are some wise suggestions to invigorate your prayer life.

Do not rely totally on yourself to come up with what you should convey to the Lord. Begin with the prayer Jesus taught us in Matthew 6:9-13. Take to heart every word and put yourself in the place of those who heard from the lips of Jesus himself. "Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be your name." There are some days when I cannot get past the idea that the God of heaven has asked me to call him my father. Also, that all prayer has its foundation with "hallowing" or honoring our father in all His glory. This 'Lord's Prayer' is the preamble for all other prayer that follows. I suggest you go next to the Apostle's Creed. We do not come from a tradition that elevates creeds. However, that only applies when creeds violate clear Biblical teaching. Try these two elements first and then put in your petitions and personal requests to the Father. This is only a starter. The rest follows soon. (To be continued)