Picking up from yesterday’s post about what Christian’s can and can’t do, I want to suggest that perhaps the foremost activity which should characterize a Believer’s life is PRAYER:
"As is the business of tailors to make clothes and cobblers to make shoes, so it is the business of Christians to pray." -Martin Luther
For me, this really hits close to home as I examine the amount of time I spend on my knees before God.
"The little estimate we put on prayer is evidence from the little time we give to it." -E.M. Bounds
The Bible is clear, prayer should be our way of life.
“Pray without ceasing.” –Paul
When asked how much time he spent in prayer, George Muller’s reply was, "Hours every day. But I live in the spirit of prayer. I pray as I walk and when I lie down and when I arise. And the answers are always coming."
So we’re to pray always, but prayer is also a discipline.
"Don’t pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it. A man is powerful on his knees." -Corrie ten Boom
Of course, since people and relationships are where God’s heart is, ours should be too. But instead of starting with people, we need to start with God.
"Prayer strikes the winning blow; service is simply picking up the pieces." -S.D. Gordon
How often do I catch myself making prayer the side dish? The item to be tacked on to the end of an event? Or the beginning of a meal?
"Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work." -Oswald Chambers.
This is how we are to pray, according to Jesus:
"Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.”