Pray

If I were riding that bull at the Caldwell Night Rodeo or was one of the bull-fighters, there would be a whole lot of prayin' goin' on.

Pray
More from the Philippians four chapter on health and freedom, the writer to the Philippians goes on to say, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Denial or ignorance is sometimes a causal factor for peace. But when we are plummeted into life’s challenges without an escape, true peace of mind is possible only through Jesus. We gaze into the face of the One who said, “peace I leave you. Not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled.” The more we understand Him, His love and grace, the deeper the peace. No worry!

Less than 10% of what we worry about actually happens. Worry is a waste of time and energy and also indicates a lack of trusting God and possibly lack of communication with God. The Scripture is replete with passages declaring how God will provide for His children. He wants us communicating with Him about our needs. Pray about everything with a grateful heart.

We'll look next at "a grateful heart."

Prayer

The four components of an effective, fruitful, dynamic walk with Christ according to Brian Tome in his book Welcome to the Revolution are Bible, prayer, community and mission. We’ve looked at the significance of the Bible. Now let’s examine prayer.

I have a large arsenal of books on prayer. I could name many to you that are great expositions on the topic, but two of the best books I’ve read are both entitled “Prayer” – one by Phillip Yancy and the other by Old Hallesby. However, it has been said that the best way to learn about prayer is to pray! Needless to say, there are some tips that make prayer more meaningful.

Tome likes the acronym “pray.” P stands for praise. R for repent. A for ask and Y for yield.

Praise. WE praise God because He is worthy of our praise. Praise helps us value that which is truly valuable and has a component of specific gratitude. Gratitude even during tough times, because we know how godly character qualities can be developed through those experiences.

I find that praising God has a way of de-centralizing self. Extoling God shifts focus from my problems to Him and all He has in store for me. Here’s where quoting praise Scripture back to God is highly meaningful. Memorize Psalm 34:1-10 and try it. Say it out loud. You’ll like it! And, I believe God adores that kind of communication from His children.

I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the LORD; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the LORD’s greatness; let us exalt his name together. I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Fear the LORD, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the LORD will lack no good thing.

Praising God with a grateful spirit is not only the foundation for our prayer life, but is in my opinion, the greatest deterrent to mental/emotional health problems.

P R A Y - P for Praise. Tomorrow it’s “R” for repent.