Following the Recipe - Prayer

Think back to the first time you tried out a new dessert recipe; it can be as simple as a boxed cake or as extravagant as a Tiramisu. One thing's for sure, if you're like me, you're following the recipe steadfastly for success.

To begin, you'd take time to meticulously read the label and every minute detail possible to ensure that you have a thorough understanding; not only of the grocery items needed but the 'how-to' of it all. Next, you'd make a list of all the ingredients required to complete the dessert, making sure to avoid any substitutes. 

Finally, you'd examine your baking pans or measuring utensils, just so that you have everything in its correct portions because you want this item to be perfect despite it being something new. In the same way that we take time to follow the numerous baking recipes that we come across, we must be similarly determined to follow the Lord's instruction concerning how to live, but more specifically how to Pray.

But what exactly is prayer? How do we pray? Does prayer need to be quiet or loud? How often do we need to pray? These are just some of the common questions that we all ask at some point along our journey. 

Lucky for us, however, the Bible provides the answer to these questions and so much more. Family, prayer is an integral part of our relationship with our Father; through prayer, you and I are connected to God and Him to us. It is our love language with the Man who has given us all things and in whom all things exist.

Thus, as Believers, we know that through prayer we are reshaped, and rejuvenated and our troubled paths somehow seem to be redirected. Many can testify of the post-prayer benefits; for some, after Prayer, their burdens seem lighter, and others feel whole again…forgiven. Some might even say that after praying they gain clarity for the day ahead or the strength to handle the giants who threaten their very core.

But, for the masses, prayer is more like a plumber studying quantum physics.

It’s difficult! We are easily bored doing it, and silently countdown the time to ‘Amen’.

If we are honest, we will admit that this is only so because we do not fully understand the power of prayer and why as Believers we must pray, thus it becomes a burden.

However, we need to remember that like any other relationship in our lives, we must do the work; consistently and eagerly if we are to see the fruits of our labour. We need to be better soldiers in the Lord’s army.

If you are nodding in agreement, then today we must first vow to change our approach to prayer and then follow the instructions set out in His word. So, like that new recipe we are trying out we must commit to the following: 

·       Remember to be humble / acknowledge your weaknesses – The Bible tells us in James 4:6, that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Therefore, when we pray let us remember to acknowledge our sins before Him. “For all have sinned and fallen short but are justified by grace through His redeemed powers.” (Romans 3:23-24). In short, there is nothing about you that He does not know already, there is nothing that you can do today or tomorrow that will change His love for you; for His love is constant-everlasting and all-enduring. 

·         Be deliberate with your attention – Start small! Be honest with yourself and work within your limitations. If you are conscious that you get bored after 15 minutes, there is no harm in this acceptance. In fact, it’s exactly what our heavenly Father wants. Psalms 145:18 says, “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him in truth.” Be Yourself… in all your flawed imperfections. 

·          Decide on a time /place – When you are restarting your prayer life or a newbie, I encourage you to set a time ‘an alarm’ in your phone perhaps, as cliché as that may sound, I guarantee you it will work if you are consistent. It can be early in the morning or before you turn in for the night. Either way, let your space be yours; decorate it as your wish, and perhaps have a scented candle nearby or an open window in view. The more comfortable you are physically, the easier you’ll sincerely connect with your prayer to God.  Remember, “when you pray, go into your inner room, close the door, and you Father who sees everything will reward you.” (Matthew 6: 5-14)  

So, the next time you pray, start with that alarm. When baking an alarm reminds us to check the oven for the correct texture/ colour. As you pray an alarm will help you to make the most of the time that you have- even if it's 15 minutes. Remember, this is only in the beginning, as you mature, I am confident that you will no longer need to use this method to remain focused.

Finally, prayer is different for everyone. Thus, it should be as unique as you are, so do not try to pattern your conversation with your Father like anyone else’s. Find your love language and use it!

For a start, you can try one of the following methods or a mix of them

• 1.    Read and Reflect on the Holy Scriptures
• 2.    Pray spontaneously as the Spirit leads you
• 3.    Use praise and worship to direct your prayer

P.s. Let’s keep it real, tell it to Him as it is, without sugar, without cream…for it’s only when we go as we are, can he fill us to overflowing.

 Today, we have started a new chapter; you and I. We have been called to walk the Galilean way; will you accompany me as we embark on the Galilean path? 

How do you pray? Let’s discuss it! Visit our Facebook page Galilee Living, today to leave your comments. Make sure to like and follow so that you will never be out of inspiration to keep you moving.

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See you again Beloved, right here next week by the grace of the Almighty.