November News letter 2006
Dear Friends
When your heart is all but overwhelmed with trouble, finding words to express what you feel can be very difficult. At such times it is not very easy to think clearly - never mind speak or pray. But the Lord knows what is in your heart.
How many of us pray?
It may be that there are many who pray privately, one way or another, who would be rather reluctant to admit it in company - especially men amongst men! Why, in the name of manliness, are men so terrified of anything religious? Yet we complain very publicly if life is difficult and our prayers are not answered! Why some prayers are almost immediately answered when others (apparently) are not remains a mystery to us. But God's delays are not denials - the answer may be - not yet! Or it may be that we are asking for the wrong things or in the wrong way.
How then should we pray?
Some of us were taught to pray as children - 'Gentle Jesus meek and mild, look upon a little child, pity my simplicity, suffer me to come to thee.' But it is not childish to pray. Many mature men and women, carrying great responsibility, often pray. However, a simple, humble, spiritual and childlike approach is essential - 'Our Father in Heaven'
Young people often pray their first serious prayer in an examination room. With a blank piece of paper in front of them, and a mind to match, they cry out to someone- hopefully out there, or above them somewhere - for help. Quite apart from the questionable morality of seeking divine assistance to gain an unfair advantage, such panic prayers, however sincerely uttered, are easily forgotten.
Many pray when in great danger. I have heard it said that there are not many complete atheists on the battlefield. It is a simple unassailable fact that in circumstances where our lives are seriously threatened - many of us instinctively cry out to God! But are we heard? True prayer even in fearful circumstances must be an expression of faith.
Some of us pray as sinners. Heavily conscious of our own sin and wrongdoing, we cry out to God for forgiveness and mercy. The Bible says that the man who prayed sorrowfully 'God, be merciful to me a sinner' went away justified - he was heard.
Some of us pray to God through Jesus. We place our confidence in the Son of God. Our hope of acceptance with God rests entirely on who Jesus is and what he has done. Jesus is our advocate and mediator with God, and the Holy Spirit helps us - from within.
What was your first prayer - has it been heard?
May you know the blessing of answered prayer!
Eddie Jones (Pastor) Back to top