01 October 2010

Quick Hitter on Prayer

I have dealt with young people who love to ask theological questions.  That is a good thing, don't get me wrong. 

But unfortunately I slipped for years into a lazy spirituality where I knew what I believed, BUT really didn't know why.  I believed it strongly, but had no basis, other than "that's what I was taught."

I have been on a re-discovery of sorts lately where I have been questioning WHAT do I believe, and WHY do I believe it?

So, kids often ask "If God already knows what is going to happen, then why do we pray?"

After I ummm and ahhhh and try to come up with something that sounds deep, I usually default to "Because God told you to."  Super spiritual, I know.  Great leader that I am.

This topic is deep and far-reaching and we could debate it for days, but recently I heard a great explanation of why we pray. 

Why do I pray?

Because God listens.

Philippians 4:6-7 (New King James Version)

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

2 comments:

  1. Great point!

    I am beginning to think that prayer is more about God aligning our will with His, than us trying to convince Him to see (or do) things our way.

    Prayer is a two-way conversation--it's how we can actually fellowship with God. Lately, I've been doing a lot more listening than speaking.

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  2. Prayer can be a mystery in light of the all-knowing character of God; however, it still serves a great purpose in our lives. I like to think of prayer as the spiritual workout equipment in the Christian life; with it, we flex our muscles of faith, dependency, meditation, and worship.

    Good thought!

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