On this 'Thankful Thursday', I am thinking a lot about prayer, and how important it is in my life. I pray everyday (most days several times), but I am not 'good' at leading a prayer in a group situation. My brother was very good at saying the right words when called upon to pray, but I am an uncomfortable public speaker - for whatever reason - and can never seem to get the words in my heart to come out the way they should. My personal prayers are more like a conversation with Jesus. He understands and knows my heart. I'm not anxious about 'saying the right thing' because He knows what I am thinking before I even organize the thought.
Are you one, like me, who dreads being called on to say a prayer? If you aren't, do you have a "formula" that you go over in your mind before you speak? I've purchased books on 'how to pray' and none of them have answered the 'public speaking' question for me.
What are the alternatives to prayer? There really are none.
The question asks us to imagine what life would be like without
prayer. Where on earth could we possibly go to find the same spiritual
grace as prayer? What alternative things would we be doing instead?
Throwing pennies into wishing wells? Sacrificing bulls? Putting plates
of food in front of statues? Drinking magic potions? The question is
good because the answer is clear: Prayer is our only true lifeline, the
only way to remain in fellowship with Jesus, the only way to be
perfectly content because we trust in the One we are talking with Who is
the Giver of Life, the One Who Feeds Us with bread that truly
satisfies.
So, today on this Thankful Thursday, I am thankful for prayer. To those who I know pray for me, thank you! I appreciate and count on it. Know that you are always in my prayers, too!
Joe and I will be eating at the Lakeland Yacht and Country Club tonight, at a banquet for this year's Lifetime Achievement Award winner. The Museum chooses someone to honor each year, who has given over and above to help us in our mission. Tonight's recipients are Steve & Lynda Buck. They are good people, who are always ready to help. Both have served on our Board, and Steve was our Board President a few years ago. It will be a nice evening.
As we say, "you are singing to the choir" when it comes to me praying in public. I cant even feel right praying in my own Sunday School class and I know these ladies really really well. I listen to others pray and they seem to always have the right words and never forget to pray for requests, but me...I freeze. I believe in prayer and the power of it, and like you, I pray daily...sometimes just a quick one here and there, but to pray in front of someone other than God, just wont work for me. I have had prayers answered, specifically and He is my lifeline for sure. Another thing you and I have in common....hehe
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a lovely time tonight and know you will. Pictures?
I'm like you. I get so nervous when called upon to say the prayer. I have no 'formula'.. I just ask the Holy Spirit for the words. I remember one time the words just poured out of me. Afterwards I was amazed and so was everyone in the room.
ReplyDeletePrayer is a very important part of my life too. For me, it's a constant communication with Jesus. And I know He's listening.
You have a nice time at the dinner tonight.
I like your thoughts on prayer and how you describe your personal prayer time as a conversation with Jesus. That is truly beautiful because prayer is also about fellowship. My Grandma's (Dad's Mom) favorite hymn was "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" It helped me to think of Jesus as my friend when I was a young bride moving to Indiana and far from my home in MI. I didn't know many people at first and I'd sit in the yard on the swing overlooking woods and simply talk to Jesus. It helped me through some difficult times.
ReplyDeleteI have a difficult time with public prayer as well. I guess that's when we should remember we are indeed talking to Jesus so it doesn't matter if the words don't sound perfect .
Thank you for the article and link. I like Guideposts this is a good one on prayer
Terri...I am the same way about prayer...not good praying in public...but in my heart it's just like breathing...a necessity.
ReplyDeleteI don't like praying with a group or even another person. If necessary, I will suggest silent prayer to each person their own thoughts. I have an ongoing conversation as well. Just seems normal to me. Enjoy your weekend.
ReplyDeleteAt family reunions, it's my brother James who leads us in prayer because he's also a minister. When we were growing up, we always took it in turns at mealtime and they were always simple little prayers. However, in a restaurant a silent prayer of thanks was in order. A prayer is a prayer no matter how it comes out.
ReplyDeleteAWESOME post, Terri! Prayer is my lifeline. It guides every area of my life - my health, my relationships, my safety, my decisions, my gratitude, my remorselessness, you name it and prayer is connected. Other than praying Grace, I have never been called on to lead in prayer. I'm not comfortable with public speaking. I can hear my heart beating in my ears when I have to speak to a group..LOL.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
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