February 12, 2024 — Prayer as a Spiritual Discipline

Prayer is one of those disciplines that everyone needs to work on – not just in Lent, but every day, all of the time. Prayer is the most important way we communicate with G-d – without it our relationship with G-d can be like two people talking on tin cans attached by a string.

There are different kinds of prayer, but I will focus on just four.

Prayers of Praise (Praising God for the blessings we have)

Prayer of Petition (asking for what we need, including forgiveness)

Prayer of Intercession (asking for what others need)

Prayer of Thanksgiving (for what God has given and done)

Prayers of Praise are prayers we pray when we want to recognize the sovereignty of G-d, recognizing G-d’s power and dominion. Beginning a prayer with words like “Lord G-d, you are good in your Greatness and Great in your goodness…”

The prayer of Petition is asking G-d for the things that we need today. We might petition G-d for healing, for guidance, for peace or for forgiveness. It is important that we not demand things from G-d but place them before G-d with a contrite heart.

The prayer of Intercession is one that is important in our own lives, and in the life of the church. One of the most important prayers we can pray is for others – because prayers for others are some of the most powerful prayers we can offer. If you read the Lord’s Prayer closely, you realize that the prayer is not personal, it is communal. “Give us this day…” and “Forgive us our sins…..” are about living in community. When we offer prayers for others, we are admitting that others in our lives matter to us as much as they matter to G-d.

The prayer of Thanksgiving is important as well, for it gives us the opportunity to say to G-d “Thanks” – thank you for everything, everyone, every breath we take – nothing we have does not have G-d’s DNA on it.

To have a successful prayer life, you must carve out time every day for your prayers. Establish a routine and stick to it. Make praying a priority every day. You will feel more connected to Christ if you make prayer a daily habit.

Pastor Dave