There are several definitions in dictionaries for the word prayer. For example:
- a devout petition to God
- a spiritual communion with God as in supplication, thanksgiving, adoration, or confession.
Interesting that the thinking is predominantly of asking God for something!
The Bible gives us so many examples of prayer. Time after time we are encouraged to come to our Lord in adoration, thanksgiving and confession before we start asking Him to do something or fix something.
As we were considering this last Sunday, praying in the power of the Holy Spirit can and will transform our prayers.
To me prayer is a conversation, which Jesus made possible, with the Almighty, All-powerful, All-loving God. A conversation that needs to happen continually (1 Thess 5 v 16).
Then when a problem arises, or a situation develops, we don’t have to hesitate in asking for Our Lord’s help.
The challenges we have been facing these last months, most of us have never experienced before. But God was not caught out, or surprised!
I was “taken” to a scripture I don’t ever remember reading before (1 Chron 5 v 20). Some of the tribes of Israel were involved in a battle to claim the Promised Land. They finally had the victory because they cried out to Him during the battle, He answered their prayers, because they trusted in Him.
Sometimes we don’t know what to pray but the Holy Spirit is present to help us (Rom 8 v 26 -27).
I believe He simply wants to spend time with us so that our love will deepen, our faith will heighten, and we will experience His power in our lives daily.
Jesus, before he was arrested, prayed that all of us “may be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me”.
I pray that Godstone Baptist Church will be transformed and then, in turn, see our communities transformed to the Glory and Praise of Jesus.
– Rhod.
