WHAT DOES PRAYER REALLY MEAN?

A group of young women were sitting at a local coffee shop. It appeared to be a Bible study group, but only one of the women had a Bible with her. Several had small notebooks. As the meeting began, it didn’t seem to follow the path of a Bible study, but each of the women contributed something. About forty-five minutes later the lady that seemed to be directing the meeting asked the ladies to bow their heads in prayer. One of the women opened her eyes and looked around at the others. She closed her eyes again and then opened them to take a sip of her coffee. The prayer continued, and this time she didn’t close her eyes. She was quiet and respectful of the others praying, but her mind did not appear to be on the prayer.

This makes one wonder how many others do this even in the worship service. How important is it that we bow our heads and close our eyes when we pray? What should our behavior be when we pray on our own or when someone else is praying?

Jesus gave the disciples a pattern for prayer in Matthew 6:5-15. He wanted to help them understand what to do and what not to do. Here are some things they were not to do:

• Do not pray like the hypocrites. Don’t stand in public places and pray so men can see you.
• Pray in private.
• Pray to your Father.
• Do not use empty phrases. Don’t be guilty of praying long prayers and using many words thinking God and men will be impressed.

He then told them how to pray:

• Pray to God, the Father.
• Show honor to the name of God.
• Pray for the kingdom to come. (The kingdom has come which is the church, so we no longer need to pray for it to come. We can pray for it to increase.)
• Pray for God’s will to be done.
• Pray for our daily needs.
• Pray for forgiveness. Notice Jesus says to ask God to forgive us as we forgive others.
• Ask for deliverance from temptation and evil.

This seems like a relatively easy pattern to follow, but we all know that our prayers don’t always sound like this. Unfortunately, our prayers are less about showing honor to God and more about asking for what we want. But praying is not all about us. It is a conversation with God our Father, and it should involve some thought before we enter into it.

I have written in the front of my Bible three principles of prayer. They give some guidance to what we need when we pray.

First, we need faith. What good is it if we pray and don’t believe in that for which we are praying? John says that if we ask anything according to His will, He will hear us. Notice that we must ask “according to His will”, not our own (First John 5:14).

John also says in First John 3:22 that “whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him”. We have to be obedient, and being obedient will guide our prayer requests.

God’s nature is that of a giver. He gives to us that which we need for our good. “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:11-13). We need to seek God’s direction, knowing He will give us what is best for us. We need to remember that God always answers our prayers. Sometimes He says “yes”, sometimes “no”, sometimes “wait”.

Second, we need humility. Jesus clearly shows the need for humility in Luke 18:9-14 in the parable of the Pharisee and the publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed aloud that he was glad that he was not like other men who were extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like the tax collector. The Pharisee then pointed out all the things he had done. “I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get”. His prayer is all about him. No reverence, no respect, no humility.

When the publican prayed, he stood away from everyone. He beat his breast and asked God to be merciful to him, a sinner. He said nothing about what he did. He showed humility.

The third principle is thanksgiving. Paul, in his writing to the Ephesians, tells them to address one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord. He also says to give thanks for everything to God in the name of Jesus, submitting to one another out of reverence to Christ. Some of our songs are prayers, and even in our singing we need to be thankful. Paul told Timothy, “I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service” (First Timothy 1:12). Though Paul was a blasphemer, a persecutor of Christians, and an opponent of Christianity, he was able to receive mercy when he became obedient to the gospel. For this, he was thankful. We should have that same thankfulness when we pray. Like Paul, we were and are sinful, but our obedience changes us.

I also have written in my Bible something I like to remember when I pray. It is the letters A C T S. It stands for adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication. It helps to remind me that I need to show respect and adoration to God, confess my sins, express my thanks, and only then can I ask of God. Maybe this will help you as well.

Sandra Oliver

*Author’s note: Apologies for this being sent out on Friday. I have no answers as to how that happened and was as surprised as you. But if you did not read it on Friday, here is your Monday opportunity. Happy day!

John 1:41 – “The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (that is the Christ)”

Have you ever discovered something so exciting you couldn’t wait to share? I stumbled upon a massive fifteen-dollar dress sale at Macy’s and the first thing I did was call my friends, (while guarding the rack of course). The news was just too exciting to keep to myself.

In scripture, Andrew discovered something so great, the first thing he wanted to do was share the news.

“We have found the Messiah, the Christ,” Andrew announced to his brother.

It is noteworthy that Andrew proclaimed he had found the Christ. He did not say he found Jesus. Consider for a moment the boldness of Andrew’s unwavering statement. A safer option would have been for Andrew to wait and observe this man named Jesus and validate His claim as the Christ. But Andrew was so confident of his discovery, he ran to share the news.

I came to appreciate the vast distinction in the words, Jesus and Christ when I spent time in Saudi Arabia. The nation’s constitution being the Qur’an meant bringing a Bible, any religious materials, or religious icons into the country was strictly forbidden. In Saudi Arabia, uttering the word, Christ was considered blasphemy, but interestingly, speaking the name of Jesus was allowed because to the Saudi people, Jesus was considered a virtuous prophet, nothing more.

The distinction between Jesus and Christ, is the distinction between a name and a title. Many years ago, I recall my father addressing my mother as the “Queen of our house.” Her name was Maxine, but her title was “Queen.” Likewise, His name was Jesus. His title was Christ.

Jesus was the name used among the people with whom He walked through life. Tragically, for us to acknowledge Jesus, but not Christ, is to miss the best part of the story: a story of incredible love, incredible sacrifice, and an incredible ending.

Jesus, the Christ chose to leave heaven and live a sinless life here on earth. He chose death on the cross. And He unequivocally rose from death, proving to be much more than a prophet. He was the Christ, the anointed, the Son of God, the Savior of the world. This beautiful story of Christ is the very foundation of our faith. Sisters, this news is far better than any fifteen-dollar dress sale!  So, what are we waiting for? It is time to share the Good News!

Blessings in Christ,

Below are some scriptures of Jesus being recognized as the Christ or Messiah.
Luke 2:25-33
Matthew 16:13-20
Luke 4:40-41

Rita Cochrane

When we tell the story of Elijah going to heaven in a whirlwind, we often make two mistakes. The first is that we say Elijah went to heaven in a chariot of fire. Every picture I have ever seen shows him in a chariot with fire all around him. Verse 11 of Second Kings 2 says the chariot of fire and horses of fire separated Elijah and Elisha, and Elijah went up by “a whirlwind into heaven.”.

The second mistake is that most lessons do not cover the beautiful story of love and commitment between two great prophets, Elijah and Elisha. What a shame that we have missed a chance to understand true love and respect between two servants of God.

The story actually begins in First Kings 19. Elijah had become afraid and discouraged after being threatened by Jezebel. He ran away, but God found him and sent him to the mountain for a time of reflection. There he found God in a still small voice, and God laid out his next mission. He was to go to the wilderness of Damascus and anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. Then he was to anoint Jehu to be king over Israel. When those things were completed, he was to anoint Elisha to be his successor. Elijah did as God commanded, and that was the beginning of the relationship between the two prophets of God.

When it came time for Elijah to be taken, he and his companion left Gilgal and traveled to Bethel. Elijah did not want Elisha to travel with him, but Elisha refused to leave him. From Bethel, God sent Elijah to Jericho. Once again Elijah told Elisha to stay, but Elisha refused. At Jericho God sent Elijah to the Jordan. Elisha refused to stay in Jericho but went with him to Jordan.

Though the rest of the story is the exciting part of Elijah’s departure, these few verses are the heart of the relationship between these two men. There was obviously boundless love and respect between them. They were different men. Elijah was a rough man, living in the wilderness. Elisha was from the city and a milder tempered man. Those differences did not change their relationship.

Elisha would not leave his mentor. He wanted to spend every moment of Elijah’s final hours with him. When the young prophets in each city asked Elisha if he knew Elijah was going to be taken, Elisha told them to be quiet. He did not want to talk about the departure; he just wanted to cherish the time they had left.

The New Testament portrays similar relationships. When Paul began his first letter to the young preacher, Timothy, he said, “To Timothy, my own son in the faith.” Paul taught him things he needed to know as a young preacher. He mentored him while he was young. Paul later took him on his third missionary journey, and they remained close until the end of Paul’s life. Paul’s last letter was to his beloved Timothy.

Paul was also a mentor to a second young preacher, Titus. This young man was with Paul while he was in prison (Second Timothy 4:11). Again, he taught him things he needed to preach, and his letter to Titus is filled with instructions.

God wants us to love our brothers and sisters in Christ. The apostle John writes in First John 3 the importance of loving one another. He compares the love of Christ with the love we should have for our brother. He says, “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” In Romans 12:9 through the end of the chapter, Paul talks about the marks of a true Christian. He is speaking to the church at Rome, so to Christians; he tells them, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” In other words, love your brothers and sisters in Christ.

This is exactly what Elijah and Elisha felt for each other, brotherly love. That is why Elisha traveled to the Jordan with Elijah. That is why Elisha tore his clothing when Elijah was taken. That is why when Elijah went away in that whirlwind, Elisha cried, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.”

Last Wednesday evening, I saw two of our men embracing at the end of our worship service. They have been devoted friends for many years, and fellow Christians. On Sunday, I saw the majority of our congregation line up to give hugs to a lady who had responded to the invitation to request prayers for strength as she struggles with serious family health issues. Last Saturday a group of teens went to the home of a member to clean up his yard because he is unable to do it himself. For several weeks we have been preparing daily meals for two of our members. Both are alone and unable to cook for themselves. All of those are examples of “love the brethren.”

So, when we think of the story of Elijah and Elisha, let’s not just think of the miracle; but think about the devotion between two godly men who loved God and wanted to do His will. May we look for opportunities in which to show the brotherly affection Paul speaks of and that which is exhibited throughout God’s Word.

Sandra Oliver

I just spent a week at Big Reedy Christian camp and, as you might imagine, experienced many things that could’ve inspired this week’s reason to love the church. There was lots of beautiful singing, kids bonding, Bible learning, hands helping, and good, clean fun. But a statement made in the kitchen has stuck with me the most. On the last morning, Dana Simpson was making her famous homemade cinnamon rolls (for the entire camp!) and I was helping her roll out the dough. When it came time to spread brown sugar and cinnamon over the dough, I asked, “About how much do you use?” She replied, “Just measure with your heart.”

When it comes to our Christian walk, following our hearts can be a dangerous thing, as the heart can be “deceitful above all things” (Jer. 17:9). Living by what seems right to us can “lead to death” (Prov. 14:12). But Dana’s answer made me smile, and not just because she gave me permission to sprinkle brown sugar with wild abandon! All week long I’d watched her live out that very concept. Campers and adults alike came to her with their questions. They wanted her advice or suggestions, and it didn’t matter if it was kitchen stuff, or camp stuff, or life stuff.

I learned a lot from Dana myself as I watched her interact with everyone all week long. I believe that people are drawn to her for more than just her experience and knowledge. They know she really cares. How does she know when a counselor needs a pick-me-up by way of an extra biscuit? How does she know how much of an attaboy to give a camper who’s still causing problems but whose growth is evident? How does she know when a more stern reply is in order? She measures with her heart. And she can do that because her heart is engaged. She pays attention. She sees a need and meets it, but in a way that seems just for that person specifically.

Obviously the secret to Dana’s famous cinnamon rolls is the fact that she measures with her heart. And anyone who knows her knows she uses the same principle with people.

The church is filled with people like Dana who live and love wholeheartedly! Who do you know who doles out whatever is needed with their heart?

“Love one another deeply, from the heart.”

(1 Peter 1:22)

Hebrews 6:32-34 -“Through acts of faith, they toppled kingdoms, made justice work, took the promises for themselves. They were protected from lions, fires, and sword thrusts, turned disadvantage to advantage, won battles and routed alien armies.”

I chuckled at the news coverage of a bear that somehow managed to break into a house whose owner lay fast asleep. Unknown to this massive beast, a tiny but dedicated lapdog was on patrol. The irate k-9 was not about to turn over management of his home, no matter how outmanned he seemed. As his doggy adrenaline kicked in, the little guard dog barked, snapped, and lunged frantically at the bear. Despite the difference in their muscle mass, it was the bear who tucked his tail and ran, disappearing into the woods. All the while, the owner slept soundly.

The royal mess in the man’s house the next morning led him to his security camera footage. He was speechless watching the courage of the tiny guard dog who took his job very seriously. The dog could have run for the safety of his owner’s bed thinking, “I am too small, and the bear is too big!” However, the little dog remained faithful to his owner and without hesitation protected what was precious to him.

I do not recall the name of the dog, but I shall refer to him as Daniel because his courage reminds me of brave Daniel in scripture. When a kingly decree forbade Daniel to worship or face certain death in the lions’ den, Daniel could have run for safety. He could have thought, “I am too small, and the king is too big!” But brave Daniel stood his ground and protected what was precious to him. Like the little dog, Daniel, face to face with lions, did not back down. Because of his devotion to God, brave Daniel defeated the king’s decree.

There will be days we will come under attack from enemies too big to fight. We must choose to either fly the coop or pursue in battle. When our faith diminishes, we can abandon the church and run for the hills. When our family structures fracture, defending our precious fort may seem too overwhelming and we can retreat. When our job expectations place us in opposition to our moral values, we can surrender our convictions. But, friend, we have another option. We can recall Daniel and the little guard dog and discover the courage to defend at all costs what is precious to us.

Father God, may we feel Your power living within us. May we stand our ground against Your enemies.

Blessings,

Rita Cochrane

There is always hope for tomorrow

that we will make it through each day.

If we trust faithfully in the Lord above

and try to walk the straight and narrow way.

The Lord will bless us in every way

as we strive to help each other,

to tend a helping hand whenever we can

to make life better for one another.

We can bring joy and happiness

with every kind word and deed we say and do.

It will fill us wish a warm feeling inside

knowing the world is a better place for me and you.

Gal 5:13 – For ye, brethren, were called for freedom; only (use) not your freedom for an occasion to the flesh, but through love be servants one to another.

Debora Robbins