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Brandon Martel
In Rock City Kids

Why Bother Praying?

Why bother praying?

Time and time again I hear that prayer is one of the hardest spiritual disciplines to put into practice. Unlike reading your Bible, it’s a lot harder to quantify what is considered success, is it praying for 10 minutes? 30? Even more? Even though it is hard to sometimes find the time to pray or what to pray about, we are continually told throughout God’s Word that it is important to pray often. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Even with what The Word tells us, why should we pray? Why is it so important that we pray?

Seeking God’s Guidance: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). Prayer allows Christians to seek God’s guidance and direction in their lives. By approaching Him with humility and a sincere heart, believers can find comfort in knowing that God has a plan for their lives and will lead them on the right path.
Finding Strength in Times of Need: “Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me” (Psalm 50:15). Life is filled with challenges and hardships, and Christians often turn to prayer as a source of strength and solace. By seeking God’s help and relying on His promises, believers can find comfort, peace, and deliverance during times of trouble.
Expressing Gratitude: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Prayer provides an opportunity for Christians to express their gratitude and thankfulness to God for His blessings and provisions. By cultivating a heart of gratitude, believers develop a deeper appreciation for God’s faithfulness and provision in their lives.
Interceding for Others: “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (Ephesians 6:18). Prayer is not solely for personal needs but also for interceding on behalf of others. Christians are called to lift up their brothers and sisters in prayer, seeking God’s intervention, healing, and blessing for those in need. It is a selfless act that demonstrates love and care for fellow believers.
Developing a Relationship with God: “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (James 4:8). Prayer is a means of developing a deeper relationship with God. It fosters intimacy, trust, and open communication between believers and their Heavenly Father. Through prayer, Christians experience the joy of being in God’s presence, knowing that He hears their prayers and responds according to His perfect will.

Prayer is an essential aspect of the Christian faith, enabling believers to seek God’s guidance, find strength in difficult times, express gratitude, intercede for others, and develop a deeper relationship with Him. Through the power of prayer, Christians tap into a divine connection that transcends the limitations of this world. Let us embrace this privilege and approach God with faith, knowing that He listens, answers, and transforms lives through the transformative power of prayer.

 

Brandon Martel
In Rock City Kids

Why do we say The Lord’s Prayer?

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

In Christianity, prayer serves as a vital aspect of our spiritual journey, allowing us to commune with God, seek His guidance, and find peace in His presence. Among the many prayers that hold significance within our faith, the Lord’s Prayer stands as a profound and universally cherished example. Our church regularly says the Lord’s Prayer. In this blog post, we will explore what All Nations Church believes and doesn’t believe about The Lord’s Prayer.
A Model of Prayer: The Lord’s Prayer, often referred to as the “Our Father,” serves as a model or template for prayer that Jesus provided to His disciples. All Nations Church finds great value in using this prayer as a guide to structure their own prayers, teaching believers how to approach God with reverence, humility, and intimacy. It serves as a comprehensive framework that covers various aspects of prayer, including praise, submission to God’s will, seeking provision, forgiveness, and deliverance from evil.
A Unifying Prayer: All Nations Church is a diverse congregation comprising individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, and languages. The Lord’s Prayer transcends these differences, offering a unifying prayer that can be recited in unison, regardless of individual linguistic variations. The recitation of the Lord’s Prayer allows the congregation to join together as one body, fostering a sense of unity, equality, and belonging within the faith community.
Reflecting on God’s Sovereignty: The recitation of the Lord’s Prayer serves as a regular reminder of God’s sovereignty and His authority over all aspects of life. By acknowledging phrases such as “Your kingdom come, Your will be done,” believers cultivate a mindset that prioritizes God’s plans and purposes above their own. This perspective encourages the surrender of personal desires and the alignment of one’s life with God’s divine guidance, fostering spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with Him.
A Prayer of Dependence and Provision: The Lord’s Prayer addresses essential human needs, both physical and spiritual. All Nations Church acknowledges the significance of seeking God’s provision in daily life, whether it be for sustenance, guidance, or strength. By uttering the words “Give us this day our daily bread,” believers express their reliance on God for their needs and acknowledge His faithfulness in providing for His children. The prayer teaches humility, gratitude, and a recognition of God’s role as the ultimate provider.
Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Forgiveness is a central theme in the Lord’s Prayer, as it emphasizes the importance of forgiving others as God forgives us. All Nations Church values the transformative power of forgiveness and reconciliation within relationships, families, and communities. By reciting “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us,” believers are reminded of the unconditional forgiveness they have received from God and are inspired to extend the same forgiveness and grace to others.
Seeking Deliverance from Evil: In a world marked by trials, tribulations, and spiritual battles, the Lord’s Prayer provides a petition for protection and deliverance from evil. All Nations Church recognizes the significance of seeking God’s guidance and refuge amidst challenges and temptations. By expressing “Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil,” believers acknowledge their reliance on God’s strength and grace to navigate the complexities of life and overcome spiritual warfare.
What is isn’t: The Lord’s Prayer is not the only way we’re allowed to pray, nor does it have superiority over other prayers. The Bible shows many different ways of praying – ranging from prayers of praise like Hannah’s in 1 Samuel chapter 2 to David’s prayers of lament throughout the Psalms.
The Lord’s Prayer holds a special place within the hearts of Christians. As a model prayer, a unifying force, a reminder of God’s sovereignty, a plea for provision, an invitation for forgiveness, and a request for deliverance, it encompasses the core values and beliefs cherished by the church community. By reciting the Lord’s Prayer, All Nations Church members embrace a holistic approach to prayer, nurturing their relationship with God, and fostering a sense of unity, dependence, and transformation within the congregation and beyond.