Monday, June 11, 2012

Individual Prayers







“But when you pray, go into your room,
close the door and pray to your Father,
who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees
what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Matt 6:6 (NIV)

We need to have private times in prayer. These times of intimacy are important to our spiritual health. During these times, we can be completely honest with Our Lord about different things.

Like the tax collector who went to the temple, we can admit that we have sinned. When we have issues with someone, we can be honest and tell God about how we truly feel. The Pharisee {sometimes referred to as one of the “Look at Me’s”} reminded God of his ‘worthiness’. Jesus told his listeners that the humble tax collector left God’s presence justified, not the ‘holier than thou’ Pharisee. (Luke 18:10-14)

Our personal prayers are meant for God. He instructs us to go into a room—get by ourselves, if possible. If we can’t, we can block everything out of our minds, close our eyes—unless we are driving—and turn our thoughts to Him.

Several years ago, I participated in a women’s missionary group at a former church I attended. The leader of the organization at that time always prefaced group prayer times by saying, “Let’s all go into our individual prayer closets, shut the door behind us and talk to God.” As I reflect on those times, her method tells me that our prayers are for God and not to impress others.

An author had a book she wanted to promote. The first series of lessons from the book was free; all we had to do was sign up. One of the features of the lessons was establishing a special place for prayer. She asked those taking the class to take pictures of their prayer places and send them to her. Those who participated had beautiful settings. I chose not to try. I didn’t feel my prayer place was pretty enough to share. Now I realize that the important thing was THAT we have a place to meet with God. 

Dear God:
            Thank you for being with us as we pray, either with others or by ourselves. Help us to remember the importance of communing with you. We thank you for always making Yourself available to hear our prayers, whether they be for a specific need or a generic prayer said quickly. We will give You praise. In the name of Jesus, we pray. AMEN


6 comments:

  1. Prayer is key in communicating with the Lord. I'm thankful we are able to walk and talk with Him. Thanks so much for this reminder! :)

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    1. When we really communicate with God, we learn so very much about ourselves. We need to always learn to talk with Him first when a need arises. I am living this concept right now.

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  2. My prayer time is not limited to a place. Wherever I am, whenever the Holy Spirit brings a need to mind, I lift my heart to the Lord.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for your thoughts. I,also, have decided that prayer times are whenever I am led to commune with Him.

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  3. Oh, how I've come to count on prayer. It's precious, isn't it? Thank you for highlighting prayer, Cecelia.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you and you're welcome. Without communication with God, we would flounder and fall away. If we didn't talk to Him, he'd think had issues with Him.

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