[ampaterry]

Whatever has happened to prayer?

Prayers have been slipped into the local church services almost like fillers. We pray for one minute here and four minutes there. The pastor prays the pastoral prayer on Sunday, and somebody offers opening and closing prayers for Sunday School and regular church services - and that is about it. Outside the church, everything from softball games to car washes to choir concerts are commonly opened and closed with prayer.

Why do we feel that if we pray at the beginning and end of something, God is bound to bless whatever falls in between? The once-popular early morning prayer breakfast has been replaced in many churches by some kind of program or special speaker who sends us charging into our day, with no reference to God other than an opening and closing prayer!

The Word of God tells us that prayer should not be only at specific times, or only for specific things:
1 Chronicles 18:11 (KJV);
"Them also king David dedicated unto the LORD, with the silver and the gold that he brought from all these nations; from Edom, and from Moab, and from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines, and from Amalek."

And that prayers should be ALWAYS:
Ephesians 6:18 (KJV);
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"

And that our supplications should not be limited to either morning nor to evening prayers:
1 Thessalonians 3:10 (KJV);
"Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?"

When you were growing up, would your dad be happy if you only spoke to him twice a day? Most fathers would NOT want this apparent lack of attention from their children. And your Heavenly Father wants to hear from you more often too!

May God bless you, guys!