FROM THE DAWGhouse…
Why Pray…
There are many ways to answer this question:
- Praying helps us experience a better relationship with God and others.
- Praying is a means to experience more peace.
- Praying brings results, our prayers change things.
Matthew 11:25 says ….”At that time Jesus answered.” The interesting thing is that no one had asked Him a question, it doesn’t seem as if He was in a conversation with someone. But it says, “Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father.” I’m guessing His Father, our Father was speaking to Him and His response was to pray.
Charles Spurgeon says…”this should teach us that Jesus had constant fellowship with his Father, and that God spoke into his heart so often, so continually, that it was not a onetime event. It was the habit and life of Jesus to talk with God.”
Jesus was modeling for us. Whenever we have our DAWG, God speaks to us through His word and He wants us to speak to Him…and speak to Him…and speak to Him, not just during our DAWG but throughout our day.
Most times my prayer in the morning begins with worship…”Our Father, who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name!” But throughout the day, there is confession of my sin, there is a recognition of His goodness and mercy, there are requests for provision, direction, wisdom, and there are expressions of gratitude.
As FORGE Men, we have such a privilege to have ongoing conversation with our Good, Good Father. Yes, our relationship with Him and others is made better because of prayer! Yes, throughout the day we can experience greater peace! But what I’ve been learning more lately is that prayer does change things..so if you’re one of those men that prays early and often throughout the day, my prayer is we would continue this just like those young men I was with last night. If this type of praying is not the rhythm of your day, I’m praying for you to be energized by Grace and this begin to happen in your life. And I’m praying that as we experience God more deeply, we will share the difference He is making in our life with those around us who are hungry and hurting.
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen…..Ephesians 3:20-21
