Prayer and God's Response

"Prayer is usually presented as a procurement process or a problem-solving method that mysteriously 'works,' but only part of the time. We have somehow thought that we could motivate people to pray by convincing them that prayer works. But by that same logic, if it doesn't work, we should stop praying." (Steve Hawthorne, Giving Ourselves to Prayer, Terre Haute, IN: Prayer Shop Publishing, 2008)

I am guilty of promoting prayer as a way to fix problems. It is an easier conversation than trying to personalize God to someone who may not know Him personally. But in my heart, I don't see fixing problems as the most amazing part of prayer. Nor is it the most persuasive reason to motivate someone to pray unless they are in a crisis that needs fixed. Then we face the risk of presenting requests in prayer as the solution instead of seeking God for guidance.

By starting our group prayer time with Praise and Confession we are emphasizing the relationship between God the Creator and His created. These segments are not merely elements of a formula. When we approach prayer as an intimate conversation with God, these elements draw us into the relationship God so desires. This relationship is able to exist because the Father invites us to talk with Him through prayer.

The next time you meet for your MITI prayer hour, slow down and think about the reality of the Creator hearing His created speak to Him. Not only does He listen, He desires to respond to us, to talk personally, to instruct, and to encourage us - His created. That is amazing!

"At the last, we will not say, 'Look at all the amazing answers to prayer we were able to make happen.' We will say, 'He has fulfilled everything He has promised.'" (Steve Hawthorne, Giving Ourselves to Prayer, Terre Haute, IN: Prayer Shop Publishing, 2008)