Easy as pie. . . .

 When I admire the wonders of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in the worship of the Creator. –Mahatma Gandhi


As people of God, we are drawn to worship and to prayer. Right? So why is it, then, that prayer can seem so difficult at times?

We come together from our busy lives, gathering in our houses of worship to praise and to pray. The praise part seems to come naturally. After all, there’s music and exhortation from the worship leaders to engage us.

Then the time comes to pray.

Silent prayer seems terminally long sometimes. And spoken prayer—well, please, let’s leave that to “the professionals.” Please don’t ask me to pray aloud!

Even Jesus’ disciples asked for help there. Lord, they pleaded, teach us to pray. And he did—but the words we know as The Lord’s Prayer were not really intended for memorization; rather, Jesus was offering a method. A way to pray, no matter the situation.

A more contemporary idea: the word PRAY can be seen as an acronym, helping us to find our way through a time of being attentive to the Almighty:

·         Praise God for God’s holiness and presence in your life.

·         Repent and humble yourself as you confess to those things that went poorly.

·         Ask forgiveness; petition God on behalf of self and others in need.

·         Yield to God’s justice, mercy and will in your life.

This week, we’ll look together at a prayer Nehemiah prayed (Nehemiah 1:5-11) and seek to balance our own time in prayer. It’s easier than you think. (Really.)


Monday Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments,  let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. Nehemiah 1:5-6a

Tuesday I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. Nehemiah 1:6b

Wednesday We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses. Nehemiah 1:7

Thursday Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’ Nehemiah 1:8-9

Friday These are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand.  Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Nehemiah 1:10

Saturday Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man. Nehemiah 1:11

Sunday As we gather this morning, allow your heart to be open and prayerful. Remember, prayer isn’t always about speaking. Prayer is also listening. Matthew 6:9-13

 

Prayer is the key of the morning and the bolt of the evening. –Mahatma Gandhi

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