We do not pray because we really don’t think it important enough.
What do you think? Agree? Or, disagree?
As I think of my own deficient prayer life and the dearth of it I see in others, this is my only logical conclusion. I do not say it with a pious, high brow attitude. I simply state it as a self-evident fact. If we believed it was more important, we would practice it more. Period!
We believe in hustle and bustle. Ours is an age of human confidence and self promotion. We follow the ‘do it yourself” philosophy of human push and human scheming.
The church of Christ has never had more resources at our fingertips, more money to back us, more savvy technology to aid us, and more knowledge to inform us, than we do today. But without the animating presence of God to energize us, all these things fall flat.
We need to pray.
What do you think?
Sir, today your thoughts on prayer (Part I and II) brought tears to my eyes. I have been reminded of my need to be in a continual state of prayer. In addition, I am reminded of God’s desire, His want to be in fellowship with me through prayer.
I do believe it is easy to lose sight of the importance of prayer. Personally, I feel individuals consider God as a “last resort”. The prevalent attitude of humanity appears to be that of “If man can fix it, shouldn’t he?” Unfortunately, the actions of many reveal that prayer is disregarded as an opportunity to fellowship with the lover of their soul, the Heavenly Father. In addition, many misunderstand God’s desire of fellowship with humanity. How empty and hollow must one get before he or she realizes God wants/desires the fellowship of prayer?
Well, Sir…I am new to this Blog “thing”. I just wanted to thank you for your words of wisdom. SS
I agree w/ Rex’s statement, “we need to pray”, but in so saying, I wonder if we ever consider the manner in which we approach the throne room and the reasons. As Bob Dylan once sang, “…you think He’s just an errand boy to satisfy your wandering desires” (When You Gonna Wake Up – Slow Train Coming). And if He says “no” or makes us wait in our petitions, will we run like spoiled children from the room? What do you think??
I think we are conditioned to be results oriented. If we can’t see tangible results, we don’t stick with anything. We want instant gratification. Our timetable differs from God’s. We don’t have infinite sight. I know that when I pray, and see the answer I want, I am inclined to pray more. Bad theology, but the fact. I’d like to do more “pray without ceasing.” I’d like to trust God more. I will pray for that!