Prayer Blueprint

So I haven't written in awhile and this is wordy----

When I wanted to know how to talk to God, how to listen to God, and how to help others I was told to pray and read the Bible.. In reading Luke 11, the disciples wanted to know how to talk to God, they asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. We are a "do" society with a "microsecond" attitude. Pray. Really? I mean really? Can't we "do" something else? We all want to do more. Prayer seems, well, just way too easy and sometimes lame. I think that's because I forget (and maybe others do too) that the power isn't in the words we use or the place that we are in or whether we are kneeling, sitting, or standing----the power is in the Who we really truly believe we are praying to for intercession, forgiveness, healing, helps, thankfulness and praise.

Using Jesus' blueprint in versus 2-4 we can begin by talking to God and really dwelling on what that means. Dad, to some of us brings to mind some not-so-good thoughts. (mine was abusive) However, this Father, this Dad created the entire Universe. He created our planet and all that is needed to sustain us here. He created animals and knew that we would need companionship as well as food, clothing, shelter and exercise. He created us---humans. And gave us dominion over all. Not to destroy or use as we see fit, but to take care of---like a gardener does his garden.

Next, Jesus says pray about His name, His power, His might. If you are not sure who He is, ask a friend, read about Him in the Bible in Matthew, Mark, Luke or John, (at the Library or Barnes & Nobel with a cup of coffee)..

Talk to Him about His plans. The plans He has for our world and His purposes for those plans being carried out His way versus our own ways. (He knows past, present and future).

Speak to Him about everything going on daily---from the mundane to the crazy/wild and unexplainable! Family, friends, aquaintances, and strangers---From where are the car keys to protecting our loved ones fighting in Afghanistan, and beyond.

Seek His forgiveness for hurting others (we do this all the time, not always intentionally) with our words and/or our actions. Asking for help to forgive others, quickly, when they hurt us.

Finally, seeking His hand to lead us away from evil that is known and unknown in our world. (in the book of James trials are for our maturing and growth in Him and His ways)

When we really think about prayer, what it is, what it does, how we become closer to God through it, then we see that it is indeed so very important and then we can say with confidence, "I will be praying!" And then do pray---do it right then! We need to do it as soon as possible so that our memory doesn't fail us and the day gets away from us. Then through our day or through others if we feel the need to do something else, we can knowing that God is using His powers from our prayers and others prayers to do His will.