The more we pray, the more we want to pray; and we want to pray properly.
The two people who went up to the Temple to pray in Luke 18:9-14, teach us that there is a good and a bad way of praying:
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector.
9To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable:
10"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
11The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.
12I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'
13"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'
14"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
A healthy hunger for prayer flows over into a longing, not only to become someone who prays, but someone whose prayers connect to every aspect of ones' life. One then realizes that real prayer should make a real difference to ones' life and the lives of others. Praying for others is one of the best ways of loving people. When we love others we show our love for God.
Our God is a God who loves beyond anything we can imagine. We need to learn to respond spontaneously to our God who calls us friend.
We can only learn how to pray by praying.
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector.
9To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable:
10"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
11The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.
12I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'
13"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'
14"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
A healthy hunger for prayer flows over into a longing, not only to become someone who prays, but someone whose prayers connect to every aspect of ones' life. One then realizes that real prayer should make a real difference to ones' life and the lives of others. Praying for others is one of the best ways of loving people. When we love others we show our love for God.
Our God is a God who loves beyond anything we can imagine. We need to learn to respond spontaneously to our God who calls us friend.
We can only learn how to pray by praying.
I just want to talk to you Lord
Dear Lord,
Whenever I want to talk to You,
I come to You in prayer,
Because prayer is a conversation,
A little chat with You.
There is nothing to fear,
Nothing I can't say,
Nothing I can hide,
I share everything with You.
My burdens, my joys,
Some failures and successes;
Happy times, sadness,
Trials that put me to the test.
Then little by little,
My worries are lessened,
My burdens are lifted,
I'm filled with the light of You.
Oh, what friendship,
Oh, what happiness,
Oh, what love I share
When I talk to You each day.
Amen.
Praying for Others
Dear Lord,
Someone kneels before God in prayer,
You already know his care.
So I pray and intercede to You,
Knowing You can see him through.
Bless him in his troubled state,
To his loved ones may he relate.
Tenderness, compassion and care,
Are the gifts You want him to share.
I will not stop praying for him,
May wisdom fill him to the brim;
A worthy life may he live,
Always willing to forgive.
Grow him in the knowledge of You,
His spiritual understanding renew.
Strengthen him with Your glorious might,
To do good works in Your sight.
Fill him with patience and endurance, I pray,
So he may come to serve You every day.
Giving thanks to the Father above,
Who has saved him through His love.
Amen.
Praying for Yourself
Dear Lord,
I come before You on bended knee,
I am a sinner, too dreadful for You to see.
You, Lord, set the example so great,
Gave me the free choice to imitate.
But each day I fall far short of You,
In my actions, all I say and all I do.
I cry out for Your forgiveness,
I am so ashamed of my sinfulness.
You died upon the cross for me,
From all sin You set me free.
Jesus You rose to heaven above,
Dying for my transgressions, Your gift of love.
As my Saviour, come into my life,
Free me from this sin and strife.
Keep me in the palm of Your hand,
I know sweet Jesus You understand.
As I face each day anew,
I want to be more like You.
Amen.
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