It is our hope that we would all grow together as pray-ers. This post is an opportunity to learn from each other.
What have been challenges?
What has helped you pray more?
Is there anything you have read that has helped?
Is there anything specific you are focusing on or working at that is helping?
Ok, so I'll be the first to comment. :) Challenges~~feeling like prayer has to happen at certain times in the day (ie, early in the morning) and then feeling guilt when that isn't accomplished (as if it is a task on the "to do" list). The concept of "breath prayers" (which I got from Purpose Driven Life once upon a time) has helped me a lot. I used to think about people or situations & thought "I should pray about that later" (you know, whenever I got that scheduled prayer time--which just doesn't happen, especially in the season I'm in). Now, instead, right when I think of something, I just pray a little prayer. That helps me, because I'm praying for the people that God puts on my mind, and I feel zero guilt about not praying for those people I care about (because I AM praying for them). :)
ReplyDeletePrayer, this can be one of the most visited attacks from satan, leaving a christian with great guilt, and a new christian thinking that they don't have the correct christian jargon to pray.
ReplyDeleteI have been the above and it is not the place God intends for us to be at. I have found, learned, and have been confirmed by God to have my prayer time come in different forms:
There is the fasting and prayer throughout the day, when the body wants what it knows, I stop and pray.
There is the submission way of being flat down, face down and give all of what I have to give inside my mind and heart, looking for God to refill me with his splendor and perfect spirit.
There is the traditional prayer at meals, private and public, it does not embarrass me to pray in public, thank you Lord that we are in a country that we can do so. Freedom!
There is the prayers of thanksgiving, knowing that God is not for our wish list, but, instead He is to be worshipped, honored and thanked for who He is, our one and only Creator, Savior and Spirit.
Then, I have the day in day out, all through the day that I visit with him, invite him into my thoughts, into who I am, were I am going, what will happen next. To commune with him as tho he is my best friend, bringing forth prayers for others and my needs/concern/thanking him for the blessings for the moment, I believe he wants this relationship from each one of us. The quantity that gives it quality. Look to seek his will for me.
My buddy- time prayers, praying with another person. My cousin and I can pray forever it seems, wonderful and beautiful.
Last week I fell off of this for a couple of days, into a dark place were satan got to reign on my life, I repented of my fears on Sunday at church during communion and sought to be filled again by his spirit. My prayers of repentance is vital to my knowing of his perfect and unconditional love his has for me and sensing it within my soul. And this is free to all of his daughters and sons, or sons and daughters...ha
So, that is my two cents worth.... = )
Terrie, I like what you wrote... :)
ReplyDeletep.s. Bob, loved the rocks. That was awesome.