CD - The Introduction of the Lord’s Prayer - 1 John 3:1

Prayer is one thing that sets us, as Christians, apart from all other religions. We pray to a living God. All other religions “meditate” and really their mediation amounts to a prayer to self. We pray to a living God who we know hears our prayers and answers our prayers. As John tells us, we pray to a loving God who calls us His children.

Did you know that you could carry on a conversation with God? Have you ever talked to God? Certainly, whenever you pray you talk to Him. Has God ever spoken to you? Certainly, whenever you read His Word, the Bible, He speaks directly to you. Thus, we carry on a conversation with God. Is this something that just happens? No, just like many things in life, carrying on a conversation with God takes time and energy. It takes putting aside time to read God’s Word. It takes putting aside time to be with God in prayer. And it takes practice. The more you do it, practice it, read God’s Word and go to Him in prayer, the better you will get.

Throughout the Bible God gives us examples of how to pray to Him. The Psalms are wonderful prayers. Jesus’ prayers to God the Father are wonderful examples of how we too can pray to God the Father. Sometimes you may think that your words and your prayer just is not “good” enough for God. Do no be dismayed. Certainly, our words are not “good” enough in the sense that we think of them as being “good,” but they do come before the Lord because they come from a believing heart. They also come as Jesus prays and intercedes for you as well.

If you have ever had a hard time trying to pray. If you have ever wanted more help in praying, try praying the Bible. Yes, you can “pray” the Bible. Again, the Psalms are wonderful works of prayer. They are prayers of thanks and praise, as well as prayers of lament and struggle. You might just be surprised at how the Psalms might express just the thought that was on your mind. And because it is God’s Word which you are speaking back to God, how much better of a prayer can that be. But, rest assured, even the simplest of prayers, “Abba, Father,” is a prayer that comes before our Father in heaven, is heard by Him and is answered by Him.

We are children of God, declared so by God Himself through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. As a father listens to His children so, even more your heavenly Father hears and answers your prayers. Pray with confidence because He will answer with an answer even beyond your expectation.

Father in heaven, forgive me when I think my prayer is unworthy of Your attention. I am glad and give thanks that You love me and You have declared me to be Your child. Guide me in my prayers to You as well as in my listening to You through Your Word, so that in this way we may be in conversation with each other. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.