(Our Pastor position is currently vacant; as soon as it is filled, updates will appear again on a regular basis)
The Prayer Saturated Life
"The sheep are never so safe from the wolf as when they are near the shepherd." - Charles Spurgeon
How is your prayer life? If you are like most of us, it has seasons, and sometimes lacks consistency. I cannot think of anything more important than intimacy with our Heavenly Father. "It is good to be near God." (Psalm 73:28) Nearly fourteen hundred verses in the Bible talk about prayer. A rich and fulfilling prayer life is essential to our spiritual growth.
Some ideas for a more fulfilling prayer life:
1. Have a "Mini Worship Time." Listen to praise music before you begin your quiet time. Nearly every song we sing in church is available on CD or cassette at the Christian bookstores. Try singing without music. I do this sometimes before or after praying, and it is very uplifting. "Sing to God, sing praise to His name." (Psalm 68:4)
2. Begin with a Bible Reading or Devotional. Even a short reading can help get your mind focused on God. I love to read the Psalms and the Gospels. (The Message, by Eugene H. Peterson is great for this.)
3. Use a Prayer Journal. A prayer journal is simply a list of people and things to pray for. It keeps you focused and consistent in your time with God. How many times have you forgotten to pray for someone? Once it is in the journal, you will not forget.
4. Get Out of the Rut. "And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition." (Matthew 6:7 NASB) Occasionally, your prayer time may get stale. Change it! If you usually sit in a chair, get on your knees, or stand up. Ask God to restore you. Read something. Listen to some music. Sing something. Go to a different place.
"But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray . . . " (Jude 1:20)
Our Prayer Ministry Team is continuing to consider ways to enhance our prayer life as a community of faith. If you have suggestions or comments please contact Lenneke B., Jolene B., or Tim F.
