16 March 2012

What are we praying for?


Road trips are always good for a Theological discussion, and this past evening was no different. We spoke about God’s sovereignty, how love trumps so many things, and the importance of God’s Word in the life of a follower. As the drive continued we eventually turned our focus to the concept of prayer. I want to share with you some of our conclusions, as well as, some of our questions. I would love to hear your thoughts as we boldly step before the Throne, admit our lack of understanding, and humbly ask for directions down this often travelled road.

Christians pray for many different things. Most often we hear each other praying for God’s Will to be done or for the healing of a relative/friend. Maybe we are in the midst of suffering, and our prayer is for guidance or even relief. I believe the Bible is clear that, as Christians, we should pray, but what does it teach us about how, when and why? I also believe that prayer may be one of the most powerful, yet misunderstood weapons God as equipped us with, and in our ignorance we forsake the very Kingdom we seek to advance.
Mathew 6 and Luke 11 both address some of the questions that arise as we begin to think about and discuss prayer. I want us to look at Luke 11 specifically, because I am seeking the same guidance as one of the disciples in the first verse. Even now it is my prayer that Jesus will teach us, through His Word and by His Spirit, how to pray.

Join me as we look at this section of scripture, draw from the Scriptures as a whole, and seek His wisdom about the topic of prayer.