When Shell suggested a few books that we could read, I was really interested in this one, because like Philip Yancy, I unfortunately have to consider myself a "prayer skeptic." I've tried for the past few years to not focus on all the questions I have about prayer, and just spend more time praying, but I always seem to get caught up in the doubt. I do believe that all humans have an inborn need to cry out to something greater than ourselves, and I think we have all experienced at some time or another in our life, but I often wonder how I can believe that prayer is so important, and also struggle doing it for even five minutes a day. Why do I feel like prayer is "more of a burden than a pleasure."? While Yancy mentions science and technology, modern skepticism, prosperity, and time pressures as reasons we don't pray as much, I have to add in that lack of discipline is a big reason for me. I can happily devote an hour to exercising because I know that I will see results, but I get antsy praying for a few minutes because I start to wonder if it is going to make a difference... or I simply lose focus. I'm glad that Yancy says that he is a pilgrim on this journey and not an expert, because I think I would find it hard to believe anyone claiming to be an expert on prayer - it is such a difficult topic. On the other hand, I do truly hope that when we finish this book and our discussion of it, I will feel like I've gained more perspective on prayer, and not more questions.
I hate to admit it, because it sounds really lame compared to things that other people have gone through and never lost faith in God, but the year in Korea when my puppy, Sadie, was sick for a month then died, took a hard hit on my belief in the power of prayer. So... that should give you an idea of how much I need a better understanding of prayer - A dead puppy shook my faith in God - I'm starting at a low point here ladies, and hoping to learn a lot! I want to be a better prayer, I want to have more faith, and I also want to know God better!
Julie
Good Morning!
ReplyDeleteI think this book choice was an excellent one as chapter one definitely got me thinking. I too have struggled with prayer and have felt like it has become more of a routine than a pleasure. I am hoping to break that and mature into a woman infusing prayer in my everyday life.
I found it interesting that 3 out of 4 people claim to pray everyday and I wonder out of those three people which ones truly pour out their hearts to the Lord rather than a "thank you for this food" type of prayer. I feel like I have been rather wishy washy in the area of prayer.
Certain prayers I have seen specifically answered in a way that I know had to have been from the Lord (for example the job position I am in now), and then there have been other prayers that I've been praying for several years and have felt no relief or answer (my dad's health). I know that he has a plan, but wonder how the power of prayer influences God's ultimate will. I remember in the Old Testament (I believe it was Moses) who was communicating with God begging him to spare his people after God specifically said he was going to destroy the land. He ended up convincing God to "change his mind". So, do we have the power to "change God's mind" throughprayer? That is one of the questions I hope to receive clarity on.
Finally, pg. 15 regarding science and technology tainting the need for prayers really struck me. He is absolutely right!! Instead of praying for healing like the people in bible times do, we call a health specialist to answer our questions and "fix" our problem. When we're in need of someone to talk to you, we instantly can cry out to a friend or even a stranger for that matter via internet, text, phone, and email. The need to cry out to our savior or trust him for healing slowly has deminished.
We have close friends from church that travel to remote villages near Istambul and return with remarkable stories about healings and numerous people eagerly coming to know Jesus. Why? Because they have notning else... There are no distractions, major medical care, or technology. The have the simplicity of Jesus to rely on and it's amazing what the Lord has done because of their faith.
All that to say, I am excited to begin this journey of exploration with you girls and hope and pray that our prayer life is strengthened and that the Lord speaks to us during this time. My hope is that we grow in faith and that we reach new levels of understanding and communication with God.
Alyssa
Hi Ladies! I’m so glad that Jules picked this book on prayer because it’s a topic that I too have never really studied, nor taken time to really try to understand the purpose and meaning of.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this first chapter I sat down and considered not only why I pray but how I’m praying. I’ll admit my prayers have mostly consisted of talking at God instead of listening, and it’s usually done when I want something. I’m excited for what this book has to hold because even after one chapter I’ve already had my eyes opened to the fact that prayer is so much more than what I’ve always made it out to be. I’m starting to understand that it’s more of an expression of our longing for God, and it’s the way we build our relationship with Him, rather than my own personal request time! It’s also nice to hear the author say that although prayer is a discipline, it also contains features like any other relationship with someone - it has its high moments but it also has its dull moments. And we won’t be perfect at it all the time, but that’s when we have the chance to grow that much closer to the Lord.
Love you Ladies!
Shelley
Sorry I have been so behind the ball on this one...since Jules is at my house, I was able to remember how to get on the blog. It won't happen again.
ReplyDeleteSo, my thoughts on the first chapter...
You guys all covered the areas that really connected with me as well. I love how we are all so reflective and ready to take our prayer lives to the next level. As I read the chapter, I too was reflective in my essentially nonexistant prayer life. For a while, I even stopped telling people that I would pray for their requests (I just didn't say anything) because I knew that I couldn't live up to my promises. Since then I have started offering prayers as I got back in to talking with God. And I too have a difficult time sitting and listening...my mind wanders as do all of our minds. But quite honestly, when I eventually remember that I am talking to God I become instantly ashamed and embarrassed. But it is truly an act of disciple for me.
Julie, to speak to your first email about the book...I too (see I told you I echo a lot of your feelings) was rocked when my family's new puppy became sick and was dying. I pleaded with God! I made promises I couldn't keep. I had doubts I had never had before that puppy died. But nonetheless, my direct prayers were not answered and it rocked me. This was the summer after our freshman year of college. And in typical Cristy fashion, I bounced back without putting all that much thought into what happened, what God was trying to teach me, and how I was responding to God. But amazingly enough, the experience comes back to my mind quite often. But at the time, it was so much more dramatic than my pleads when my mom was in the hospital (which I hope that shows growth on my part...with God's help).
Anyway, I have a lot to learn and process. But all in all, I truly hope to become disciplined in this. Just a couple of weeks ago I bought a prayer journal to allow myself to better see how God answers and doesn't answer prayers. You guys likely have had them or have them, so I encourage you guys to do the same. I know for me, I forget what I am praying about day in and day out.
Love you guys so much! I love this support even from afar.
Cristy