Skip to main content

What's prayer for? June 2014 Prayer Column

Image
By
At a recent meeting someone posed that seemingly simple question. And as it happens I’d been sent a possible answer just a couple of days before in a quote attributed to one Richard Exley:
Prayer is multidimensional. It includes petition, confession, intercession and praise, but its highest purpose is fellowship with the Father. In prayer we share our needs with God, but more importantly we spend time with the Father. Relationship takes precedence over everything else. Remember, the primary purpose of prayer is not petition but fellowship. It's about spending time with the Lord.
Listen to most prayers, and it’s about praise and asking – and there’s a lot right with that. Jesus certainly told us to praise God the Father and ask for what we needed, especially when we’re in a fix (Matthew 6:9ff). And (perhaps obviously) especially when what we need is for God’s work on earth: promoting Jesus-shaped values of human and cosmic welfare (you can think big if you’re a Christian), including justice and peace, as well as the delicate business of on-to-one relationships requiring caring, patience and forgiveness. What’s more, Jesus promised to answer such prayer himself (John 14:13f), though not always as we expect, because Jesus as risen Lord and Saviour thinks even bigger than we do.

But the important reminder in that definition of prayer is that the point of it all is being with God as Father – for which Jesus is the way (John 14:6). Do you want that? Then pray, in his name.

Roy Lorrain-Smith

A prayer for each week

Answering Lord, fielding both our questions and our requests, we praise you for your patience. Please help us to seek for and grasp the answers you provide. Amen.

Calming Lord, offering peace in your presence that can be felt but not explained, we praise you for calling us. Please help us to stay with you, not rushing. Amen.

Fatherhood Lord, creating and sustaining us your children (and all else), we praise you that in you we belong. Please help us to get to know you in eternal depth. Amen.

Companionship Lord, friend to all who humbly seek you in truth, we praise you for the privilege of conversation with you. Please help us not to hold back. Amen.

Way-making Lord, who sent Jesus to lead us to you as Father, we praise you for your love. Please help us to follow your beckoning, to please you and bless us. Amen.

Your own prayers

 Download a pdf version.

 If you would like us to pray for you or those known to you, or if you would like the monthly reflections and prayers emailing to you, please send a prayer request.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Share the joy of Christmas with older people

By
The most important Christmas Card you’ll send this year Methodist Homes (MHA) are asking YOUR CHURCH to share the joy of Christmas with older people this year.  Could you take the time to write just one extra Christmas card which will be passed to an older person cared for by MHA?  To take part, please refer to the further  details and an order form . Instructions of how to take part, as well as special Christmas cards designed by an MHA resident for your church members to write their own messages of goodwill and friendship, are included in the Christmas Friendship Appeal pack. “May I express my gratitude for your lovely idea of asking folk (including children) to send Christmas cards. We appreciate the warmth and concern of the whole idea.”  MHA Resident
Post a Comment
Read more

Holiday at Home 2016

By
July the 4 th is Independence Day in the USA. It was also Independence day for the people of Bradford North Circuit. Holiday at Home descended once again on St. Andrew’s Church. This year, we had more guests than ever before. We had new guests from Baildon, Saltaire and St. Andrew’s. Monday 4 th July The day began with everyone getting to know one another. The Agape area was soon buzzing with conversation. Vast amounts of cakes, buns etc. along with gallons of tea were consumed. Shortly after we moved into the church for lunch. Once again our food providers at St Christopher's did us proud. The word DIET was banned for these three days. The fresh cream trifle was to die for. We also care for our helpers! After Lunch we enjoyed games. Believe it or not, Snakes & Ladders was popula...
Post a Comment
Read more

Swishing Party

By
Swishing Party 7.00 - 9.00 pm Tuesday 7 August 2012 Thackley Methodist Church BD10 0RH Never heard of it??? This is how it works ... you bring good quality items of clothing/accessories/shoes etc from your wardrobe and for each item of clothing you will bet 1 ticket - this/these ticket(s) can be used then to purchase any item of clothing you decide on at the Swish. These items can be brought to Thackley Church on Monday 6 August between 6.00 and 7.00 pm. There will be a 'look and trying on' session from 7.00 pm - 8.00 pm and you will be able to have refreshments. Absolutely NO-ONE is allowed to claim items before the swish opens at 8pm. You can leave with as many items as you want - but each additional item will cost £2 Entry to the event is £5 and this will include refreshments.
Post a Comment
Read more