Lenten Word 4: Prayer

"He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples." (Luke 11:1).

This request comes after Jesus sent 70 in pairs, to every town and place where He himself had been, with orders to "cure the sick," and to share the news that God's kingdom was already among them. The 70 returned with joy sharing, "Lord, in Your name even the demons submit to us!" Jesus replied, "I saw Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scoprions, and over all the powers of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

What the disciples wanted to know was "How do you connect with God so often?" It's very similar to what I've heard in churches for many years, "I don't know how to pray for very long, let alone an hour." Prayer is simply talking to God and listening to God. It is worshiping God through our prayers, worshiping God and confessing our sins, giving God thanks, and then sharing our concerns with Him. Then, we say amen, which I truly believe means, "It's Your turn, God; I'm listening!"

Our Lenten Journey is nothing without prayer. Prayer should be the number one staple on our spiritual diet during this time. If you've given up coffee for forty days, Lord help you, but as you feel the need for coffee, have a deep cup of prayer. That's how our Lenten Journey works and that's how we truly fast.

PRAYER: Loving God, open my mouth to sing Your praise. Open my heart to share my worship and concerns with You. Open my mind to think God-thoughts. Open my ears to hear You today. In Jesus I pray, amen.