Philippians 4:4-7
Habits, rituals, and rhythm have a
positive impact on our lives. Research around the world reveals that habits and
rituals strengthen families and have a positive impact on individuals. Just think, how do we feel when we miss something that is an important habit in our lives,
an important ritual for our families? The importance of even the most seemingly
insignificant habit is made very clear in Adm Wm. McRaven’s UT commencement speech
in 2016: “Make Your Bed!”.
As a household of faith, the habits
and rituals of our church family are important as well. In 1992, Jeanne
and I stood before the small and loving congregation of Living Mission
Methodist Church just outside of Cleveland, Ga., and there and then we said ‘yes’
to supporting the congregation through our “prayers, presence, tithes, talents,
and story.” Many of you have affirmed the same. Yes, these are often referred to as “church vows,” but really it’s
one vow to make all of these habits a part of our lives—something we will do over and
over and over again in order to strengthen the congregation.
Prayer is the first of these habits.
Prayer is the amazing and incomparable
gift we are given wherein we are able to talk with and hear from the Creator of
all things. Prayer is sharing with God from our hearts and minds, and prayer is
opening our hearts and minds to hear from God. The very first recorded conversation
between God and humanity is found in Genesis 3. The man and woman have just
eaten from the tree that God has warned them to avoid. God arrives in the garden
and calls out, “Where are you?” The man explains that they are hiding because
of their shame…. And, this conversation continues to be played out through the
centuries until today—God is always there calling out to us, “Where are you?”
God always wants to talk with us, to hear from us, to walk with us. And we—out of
shame, doubt, or busyness—we are often nowhere to be found.
We pray because God calls us to
pray…and through Scripture we are called again and again to be a people of prayer:
“…If my people, who are called by my name, will
humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their
wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their
sin and will heal their land” (II Chron. 7:14). The entire center of our Bibles
is filled with prayers—the Psalms. And, we pray because Jesus models the practice
for us (Mark 1:35).
But, how do we pray? We learn to pray the very way children
learn to walk and to talk—we watch, we try, we fail, we get up, we try again,
we listen, we mimic…we read Scripture, we listen in worship. We pray by doing
and trying…by talking with God and listening. In Matthew 6:6, Jesus tells us prayer works
best when we shut out the world around us and focus on God. In Paul’s letter to
the Philippians, we are instructed to pray by lifting to God our needs and by offering
our thanksgiving.
“Prayer Works!” We’ve seen or heard this said or posted
online, I imagine. Prayer works when we do the hard work of prayer. Prayer does
not come naturally or easy—just as no good habit comes easily.
“Prayer Changes Things!” Again, we may have seen, heard, or
even said this. Actually, prayer changes everything—changes the one who prays,
the one(s) prayed for, our relationship with God, our relationship with one
another, our very way of seeing the world. Prayer changes everything. Imagine
what could happen if we—this congregation—lived into the habit of prayer and daily
we prayed for each other and for our congregation! God could change everything….
Sunday, September 22,
2024
“A Church Strong: Prayer”
Watch/Listen: HERE
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