Adventist Dad

I am mystified by prayer, its powerful potential to provoke God to action, while at the same time calling upon me to wait, and in faith trust that God hears. The former brings me to my knees, most often in times of crisis, while the latter tempts me to jump ahead of God. Yet, every man and woman who has ever walked with God makes one thing clear: prayer is vital to a God-centered life.

Perhaps you’ve been neglecting prayer. Don’t wait another minute. Pause and pray now. Invite God’s Spirit to live in  you and transform you.

Many times I’ve wondered how to pray. Search the local Adventist Book Center, other Christian bookstore, or Amazon.com and you’ll find stacks of books providing advice on prayer. I’ve read a few, but find myself coming back to Jesus’ model prayer in Matthew 6:9-13, the familiar “Our Father, which art in heaven…”

Ponder that prayer enough, and its essential elements become evident: Honor God,  pray for the coming of His kingdom, for His will to be done, for Him to supply your needs, for forgiveness and humility, and for the power to overcome temptation.

How does Jesus’s model prayer align with your prayers? When I consider my prayers, I see opportunity for growth, to seek a more meaningful conversation with God. As  a father, commanded to love my wife as Christ loves the church, and commissioned to make disciples of my children and people around the world, Jesus’ model prayer provides an effective  means to that end.  These are God’s priorities,  and putting these first comes with the promise that God will take care of whatever we need (Matthew 6:33).

So, let’s pray now,  and pray often, and pray for what matters most.