Prayer during challenging times

It does not take much to see that we are in challenging times.  The whole world seems to be in some form of chaos.  Wars, terror, crime, abuse, human rights violations, oppression, hunger, racism, and corruption seem to be rampant problems.  So how do we pray?  When faced with so many problems how do we pray? Here are a few reminders that I have received lately regarding prayer that have helped and encouraged me.

Prayer is always a time of communion, conversation & commitment with God.  As you Pray be reminded of this even in the midst of horrid situations.

• Communion - The deep reality that prayer is relationship based.  It is a key part of your relationship with God, in fact it is essential.  To take time to spend with the One who is the most important relationship you have is essential to your Faith.  This should include taking time to praise God for who He is as well as what He has done and will do.  This is also a great opportunity to ponder some Scripture like a Psalm and spend time in quiet reflection as you "listen" for what God has to say to you.  Some people may think that this idea about prayer is too "mystical" or "over-spiritual" but I believe it is important because our prayer time is not about us, our problems, our fears, our issues or our agenda, instead it is about drawing near to God and taking time with Him as He draws near to you.
• Conversation - Part of prayer is the conversation.  This is where you interact with God about what is on your heart.  This is where you confess things that the Holy Spirit is convicting you of.  This is where you express your hopes, fears, concerns, desires, needs to the Almighty God who is the One who holds the answers.  This should also be a time where the concepts of communion continue, praise God as you express these things.  Take time to wait and listen between expressing your heart.  Fill your mind with the Scriptures as you meditate on what God is saying and doing in your life.
• Commitment - You might find it odd that I have included commitment in this note about prayer.  Yet I believe that it is often overlooked in modern prayer.  Sure we talk a lot about commitment when someone is praying to receive Christ or become a Christian.  But as a disciple of Jesus, as a follower of His, we are to be ever growing and repenting so that we are conformed to His image.  Part of that is found in our response.  As you Commune and Converse with God then Commit, make Commitments regarding the things that are being understood.  It could be in regards to a change you need to make in relation to sin.  It could be a need to improve in an area of how you live your faith, like loving others or sharing the Gospel.  It could be a Commitment about a lot of things but do not run from the Commitments you know you should be making.

There are many other elements that we could look at that can help your prayer life but I just wanted to share these three that have been used in my life lately.  So Commune, Conversation & Commitment.  You need not ignore the chaos that surrounds us but it was never intended to become our primary prayer focus.

Draw Near to God - Seek Him and you will find Him.

Pastor Bruce