What's the primary object of prayer? Why do we do it?
I have a hunch that most of us would give some version of this answer: "Prayer is about making requests to God so we can get his help with the problems we face."
While that's certainly a part of the reason for prayer, I'm not sure it's the main one. This week I'm working on a message based on the first three lines of the Lord's Prayer, which go like this:
In Jesus' model prayer, we begin by focusing our attention on God, not on ourselves. We first honor God and submit ourselves to his will. Requests--even confession--come later.
Hallowed be thy name,
Thy Kingdom come,
Thy Kingdom come,
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
In Jesus' model prayer, we begin by focusing our attention on God, not on ourselves. We first honor God and submit ourselves to his will. Requests--even confession--come later.
I have a hunch that this is the reason behind many of our "unanswered" prayers. We feel as if we pray constantly but see few results. We ask God for help with everything from finding a parking spot downtown (I've actually done that) to a cure for cancer, but the "answers" seem sporadic. Could that be because we're usually looking for our gain when we pray, not necessarily God's will?
I'd like to help people see that we've got the equation backwards. The primary aim of prayer is not to get God to do what we want, but to get us doing what he wants. While we do make requests to God, it is more important that we align ourselves with who he is and what he is doing in the world.
How can I be sensitive to people who are dealing with tough problems and are frustrated at seeing no response from God while I encourage everyone to "seek first his kingdom"?
In what ways do we put ourselves first in prayer?
How can we honor the "name" of God in prayer--and in life?
What should we say to someone who has prayed about a prodigal child or chronic illness for a long time without seeing any change?
What does it mean to establish God's "kingdom" in the world?
What helps you focus your prayer on God rather than self?
3 comments:
How about I address just one of your questions? Good questions, great points, by the way!
Praying for a long time without seeing any change:
The Old Testament is ripe with examples of the Lord giving promises, and then many years going by before they come to pass (David and his kingship, Abraham and his son, Jesus birth, Israelites and their captivity ending, the rebuilding of the temple). This shows us He is faithful and trustworthy, but also in His sovereignty He knows the when and how things should/will come to pass.
In the midst of this we see the people involved going to the Lord in prayer (Psalms are a good example). This helped them stay focused and also reminded them just Who gets credit for everything. It also helped them refocus their perspective.
Time is not the same for us as it is for Him. Plus we are not the ones calling the shots. This acceptance must be laid at His feet. "In acceptance lieth peace."-- Amy Carmichael Prayer also helps us get back to acceptance and peace. He is sovereign and His ways/thoughts are difficult to fathom.
It is difficult to take human credit for things after we have prayed about them. That too is humbling and encouraging all at once. In the end it leaves us praising Him, and able to tell of His good works in the street. More reasons to pray.
Sometimes it is just about pouring out your heart to Him. Again this brings humility and also encouragement to go on in the midst of life. It may not even be a specific request, just crying out. He truly is supreme over everything. To be able to go to Him is a great privilege. It is life giving.
Prayer is going to Him, acknowledging His Lordship and sharing my life with Him, the praises and the concerns. THEN it is about asking. You are (of course) on the right track here, brother! How great to be able to discuss the things of our Lord.
Preach on!
Nice summary! I think that's the gist of Jesus meaning in "thy Kingdom come."
I'll be honest and say I don't have anything to share in the way of answers to your questions. I will say that I am eagerly awaiting Sunday, as prayer is an area where I've distinctly heard God saying, "You've got to do more, Matthew. You can't afford not to."
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