AFTER THIS MATTER … PRAY
Prayer involves the worship of the heavenly Father. As Father, God loves us, cares for us, and welcomes our fellowship and intimacy; through Christ, we have access to Him at any time to worship Him and communicate our needs to Him. God as Father does not mean that He is like an earthly father who tolerates evil in his children or fails to discipline them correctly.
God is a Father of holiness who must oppose sin. He will not tolerate evil, even in those who name Him as Father. His name must be “hallowed.” Hence, as a heavenly Father, He can punish, bless, withhold, and give, act with justice and mercy. How He responds to His children depends upon our faith and obedience.
Every child of God should have someplace to be alone with God. Unless such a place exists, secret prayer will not be long or consistently maintained.
- Steal away to your personal space.
- Do not use vain repetitions, as the heathen does. Why? Because they think they will be heard because of their many words. So do not babble on, and on.
Talk to God, and tell Him all about your needs. He already knows what you require, even before you ask, therefore be open, be honest.
With the model prayer of Matthew 6:9-13, the LORD Jesus indicates areas of concern that should occupy prayer. The prayer contains six petitions: three concerned with the holiness and will of God; and three, concerned with our personal needs.
At times Christ prayed all night long (Luke 6:12). Do you have a place where you can pray?
Blessings,
Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes
TWFYT | FLSB
The Church Within You! 