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Thursday, January 16, 2014

Prayer: Time to Show Off? By Jemima S.

Prayer: Time to Show Off?

 By Jemima S.

So many of us think that prayer is a talent show
; time to show off. So really what do you think prayer really is? Do you think:

a)    It’s a time to show your fancy English skills and use words  like ‘phenomenal’ or ‘diabolical’ (diabolical is actually word for something bad so don’t use it in a prayer!!!!!)

b)     You don’t even care you just want to go and watch ‘Friends’ and eat fries.

c)    You think it’s a time to talk to your Dad who’s in Heaven and you just wanna tell him how much you love him!!

Well if you pick c you are definitely on the right track!! But if you pick a or b we need to have a little chat.......

Prayer is talking to God. You can talk to him as if he’s there and He will listen. Not like when you tell a friend that you’re not feeling great today and they carry on talking about what went on in ‘American Idol’ last night. Or your guy friend you tell him that you and your parents had an argument and he tells you to get a life or that parents are useless. SOO NOT HELPING!!!!!

Well God isn’t like any of your friends he your closest friend and he always listens. Now that doesn’t ,with a capital D O E S N ‘ T, mean that when you pray that the first thing you do is ask God for some new Gucci shoes...... I’m not saying Gucci isn’t fantabulous, IT IS!! I’m  saying that there is a way to speak to God you have to be respectful. Not like: “ Hey God I want a new phone (I’d prefer an iphone or a HTC), new jeans denim please ermm..........what else oh yeah !A new........” I don’t think God would appreciate that you would be treating Him like a gift stall I want this I want that.............ENOUGH already!!!

In Matthew 6:5-15 it says: When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites. They love to stand in the synagogues and on the street corners and pray loudly. They want people to see them pray. I tell you the truth. They already have their full reward.. When you pray, you should go into your room and close the door. Then pray to your Father who cannot be seen. Your Father can see what is done in secret, and he will reward you. And when you pray, don’t be like those people who don’t know God. They continue saying things that mean nothing. They think that God will hear them because of the many things they say. Don’t be like them. Your Father knows the things you need before you ask him. So when you pray you should pray like this:

"Our Father in Heaven,

We pray that your name will always be kept holy.

We pray that your kingdom will come.

We pray that what you want will be done here on earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us the food we need for each day.

Forgive the sins we have done just as we forgive those who did wrong to us.

Do not cause us to be tested;

But save us from the Evil One"

Yes, if you forgive others for things they do wrong, then your Father in Heaven will also forgive you for the things you do wrong. But if you do not forgive the wrong of others, then your Father in heaven will not forgive the wrongs you do.

My mum always said that you pray in stages.

Stage One: Acknowledgment/Adoration

You need to acknowledge that He is Jesus your LORD and Saviour. Or adore Him by worshipping Him, “You are King of Kings..... I lift you up and bless your Holy name...” in your own unique way!!

Stage Two: Confession

Confess your sins (the ones you can remember don’t spend all day trying to remember a sin!!) and also confess that He is Lord.

Stage Three: Thanksgiving

You have so many things to be thankful about. You’re breathing right now. You have clothes to wear shoes on your feet you are living. Did you know that we are exactly the right distance away from the sun if we were a bit closer the earth would shrivel up or vice-versa if we were a bit further away the earth would freeze like a Popsicle!!!!!!!!! Also thank Him for what He is doing in your life, your parents’ and siblings’ lives etc.

Stage Four: Supplication

This is the time to request the desires of your heart. Go on - He is listening. But don’t make it all about you you you and guess what YOU!! Pray about your friend who has the flu or the old lady down the road who doesn’t know the Lord.

Hopefully you’ve sussed out that it’s an anagram. ACTS


Acknowledgement/Adoration

Confession

Thanksgiving

Supplication


Some of you may be thinking, “doesn’t she like simultaneous prayer????” Well actually, that’s my preferred type of prayer. For those of you who are thinking, “What in the world is that???” Well...................

Simultaneous prayer is when you just pray. No boundaries just worshipping Him. No set order, just talking, worshipping and praising Him!!

But praying in order is good as well! I’m not totally dissing ordered prayer. That’s how JC (Jesus Christ) taught His disciples to pray.

So now we know more about praying! What are you waiting for???

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