Conversation
. . . something that happens between two persons who have something to say to each other. It is different from an announcement or a lecture (in which one person simply informs the other about something) in that it assumes mutual sharing. It can be superficial and "safe" (the exchange of news or information without much "personal" content involved), or it can close and "risky," at those times in which we share not just what we "think" but also how we feel, and who we really are. It is at those times that we actually speak not just at each other, but in response to each other.
When we are invited to pray, it is that second kind of conversation that we are invited into. One that goes beyond the sharing of information, to the sharing of persons. And it is as we experience God's love to us as we enter into that kind of conversation with Him, and then allow ourselves to become more fully awake to and aware of God's loving presence in our lives, that we find ourselves responding. Not only to what it means to be loved that way, but by also discovering in the overflow from that realization, the ability to love others in ways that mirrors that.
Far from the "name it and claim it" theology of popular culture, or the idea that prayer is a way to get God to do things for us, is the invitation to come into God's presence and be embraced and changed. This is to pray, as Jesus taught us to, in a way that acknowledges God's awesomeness, and prays for a fuller realization of God's Kingdom and His purposes in our lives right now. Now that's a conversation!
So then, how do we go about this? How do we pray in meaningful ways? How do we get beyond the distortions to real conversation? How do we know we are really connecting? And then, there is the text in 1 Thessalonians, that says we not only need to do this, but we need to do it continually. Continually. How does that work?
That is what Pastor Jon explores with us in this series, and in this first message in his series on prayer. Conversations with God. What are the questions, concerns, areas, you would like to explore more fully about prayer? Perhaps this series can be a good time to explore those and find some helpful insights? If you would like to listen to the sermon again, or perhaps for the first time, you can access our sermon library by clicking here.
This
Ephesians 3:14-21(TNIV)
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Other Passages that Invite us to Pray
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4 (TNIV)
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
9 “This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
14 For if you forgive others when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
song might be a good way to reflect on the passage to the right from Ephesians 3:14-21 as you enter into your own time of prayer and reflection . . . or . . . as a response to your time of prayer. Either way, enjoy the image of a loving Father Who embraces you as His child in an expression of amazing love.