October 19, 2019 (Saturday)
I recently published a blog entitled “Grow in Grace and Knowledge,” and I suggested “Six Simple Steps to Christian Growth.” (See below). The third of these steps was, “Pray.”
Jesus’ disciples asked him to teach them how to pray, and Jesus gave them a model prayer, now familiar to us as “The Lord’s Prayer.” It contains all the elements of prayer and is always appropriate.
But the prayer we are urging those seeking a close, personal, intimate walk with the Lord is just that kind of prayer: personal and intimate.
Jesus said, “When you pray, enter your closet and shut the door.” That instruction can be taken literally, or it can mean that prayer is just between you and God. The location of the one doing the praying is not relevant. We can pray anywhere and any time.
A public prayer, such as an invocation, is meant to be heard by those who can hear it, and the purpose of the prayer is to speak for all who are present. Everyone is invited to join the public prayer in their hearts and pray with the one who is praying aloud.
A private prayer, on the other hand, has no audience other than God. There is a song that says, “Let us have a little talk with Jesus.” That’s what real prayer is, and it is that kind of prayer that should be prayed every day by the person seeking to know Jesus better and to walk with Him daily.
In any case, your spiritual growth will depend in part on your prayer life. The Bible and Prayer go together. Read the Bible and pray every day. These special moments have been dubbed our “quiet time.” Sometimes it is called our “devotional time.” Select a place for this and, if possible, a definite time of day. Let nothing get in your way. Read the Bible and pray.
SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER
Lyrics – William W. Walford (1845)
Music – William B. Bradbury (1859)“Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
That calls me from a world of care,
And bids me at my Father’s throne
Make all my wants and wishes known.
In seasons of distress and grief,
My soul has often found relief,
And oft escaped the tempter’s snare,
By thy return, sweet hour of prayer!“Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
Thy wings shall my petition bear
To Him whose truth and faithfulness
Engage the waiting soul to bless.
And since He bids me seek His face,
Believe His Word and trust His grace,
I’ll cast on Him my every care,
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!”
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Grow in Grace and Knowledge
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (2 Peter 3:18 NIV).
I am suggesting some steps for the new Christian to experience growth. These steps can also be good for seasoned Christians who desire a renewal of faith and a fresh start in living for Jesus. The six steps are: 1. Go to Church 2. Read the Bible 3. Pray 4. Talk about Jesus 5. Read Devotional Writings 6. Be aware of your daily life.