I haven't taken seminary classes or gone to Bible school. Nor have I read countless books on prayer, but that being said, today I just want to share something that God has used to bring encouragement to me.
I think we have probably all heard countless sermons on prayer. Most of us have heard the acronym for PRAY- Praise, Repent, Ask, and Yield- which I have used when I pray. BUT, have you ever had situations arise in your life that you just didn't know how to pray? You seek God, want to do the right thing and know God' will for your life, but you just don't know the words to pray. That is where I have been recently.
As I sat in church one evening, someone made the comment about many Christians not taking the time to just read through the Bible (Thanks, Joe!) As I thought about that statement, I was convicted that I don't take time to read the Bible like I should. Yes, I do Bible studies and memorize Scripture, but just sitting and reading chapters at a time is not something that I generally do. So, I decided to start with the book of Matthew, and this is where it gets back to prayer :)
As I started reading Matthew, I got to the Sermon on the Mount and The Lord's Prayer. Most of us know The Lord's Prayer and have prayed/ recited it many times. I must confess, that for me, many times it has been more reciting than actually praying. This time, as I read The Lord's Prayer and the verses surrounding it, it gained new meaning.
Matthew 6:8 says, "Therefore do not be like them, For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him." I know, I may be slow, but I had to read that again- My Father knows what I am in need of BEFORE I even open my mouth to ask. For me, there is great comfort in that verse. And then I read on through The Lord's Prayer:
"Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
In few word, it covers everything- praise, God's will, needs, forgiveness, and deliverance. For me there was great relief, peace, and comfort in knowing that I didn't have to know the right words to pray. I can rest knowing that my God is sovereign, and He knows my need before I ask. When I don't know the right words- He gives me the words to pray in Matthew 6:9-13. What an awesome God we serve!
