I used to think that prayer was about subjecting ourselves to God's will. I thought it was a time for us grovel before a master, who needed us to first debase ourselves before daring to approach him. I thought that having to ask for everything kept us constantly reminded of our smallness. I thought it was an instrument of removing our pride. I'm not sure that's all wrong, but this Monty Python clip shows how far down that rabbit trail we can go:
Don't misunderstand me. We are small, and He is big, but it's less about groveling and more about agreement with a loving Father about his nature (goodness) and his will for us (freedom from the curse).
Consider Daniel. When was faced with becoming a crunchy snack, it says that he went to his house and opened the window towards Jerusalem and he thanked God. In the face of a violent and gruesome death, he reminded himself of the things that he had to be thankful for. He spent time remembering God's graciousness and goodness towards him, and that was how he conquered the fear that was ready to devour him long before he faced the lions.
We should be talking to God in prayer because we want to, not out of fear or obligation. If you don't desire time in prayer, if you're not excited about it, consider not doing it. Maybe you need to ask God why you don't desire it. (I know that's a prayer too, but feel free to keep it short.) :)
Paul says in Romans that he prayed all day and night for the Roman church, and I don't think he did that as a burden. I think he saw it as opportunity to speak life and blessings over fellow believers that he loved, and partner with God to get a peek at his heart of love toward them.
When you feel His love for someone, you only want to be closer to Him and know Him more. That's what prayer is supposed to be about. Let go of the burden of prayer, and pick up the opportunity of seeing how Jesus sees you and others around you, and no, he doesn't want to boil you in oil!
Don't misunderstand me. We are small, and He is big, but it's less about groveling and more about agreement with a loving Father about his nature (goodness) and his will for us (freedom from the curse).
Consider Daniel. When was faced with becoming a crunchy snack, it says that he went to his house and opened the window towards Jerusalem and he thanked God. In the face of a violent and gruesome death, he reminded himself of the things that he had to be thankful for. He spent time remembering God's graciousness and goodness towards him, and that was how he conquered the fear that was ready to devour him long before he faced the lions.
We should be talking to God in prayer because we want to, not out of fear or obligation. If you don't desire time in prayer, if you're not excited about it, consider not doing it. Maybe you need to ask God why you don't desire it. (I know that's a prayer too, but feel free to keep it short.) :)
Paul says in Romans that he prayed all day and night for the Roman church, and I don't think he did that as a burden. I think he saw it as opportunity to speak life and blessings over fellow believers that he loved, and partner with God to get a peek at his heart of love toward them.
When you feel His love for someone, you only want to be closer to Him and know Him more. That's what prayer is supposed to be about. Let go of the burden of prayer, and pick up the opportunity of seeing how Jesus sees you and others around you, and no, he doesn't want to boil you in oil!
BAHHAHAHAHAH. Amen!
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