Prayer

If there was ever a verse torn apart by being ripped out of context so often, today’s passage is it. A popular scriptural reference from the world of “Christian” pop psychology, this verse is to be memorized and written on your bathroom mirror with a permanent marker.

As much as I enjoy the stretching experiences of mission trips, I love getting back home. I looked forward to packing up and heading to the airport to begin the marathon journey back to Pittsburgh. But then, something caught my attention.

When I was growing up, a plaque hung on a wall in our house that read, “Don’t worry. It may never happen.” I passed that saying many times each day, and those words became branded on my brain. So, of course, I never worry. (I wish!)

Some of you are reading this at a difficult economic time. Your business has shrunk. Your sales are down. Your customers are cutting back. Your salary has been reduced. Your job has gone away.

Prayer is a personal conversation with our Father. It should not be filled with clever Christian clichés or worn-out prayer phrases. It is fresh, real, and raw—like any meaningful conversation in our lives.

When Jesus taught us how to talk to the Father, he instructed us to pray, “your kingdom come.” Why did Jesus tell us to include this in our prayers? For an explanation, let’s consider 1 Corinthians 15:24-25.

How do you make sure your priorities are straight? How do you put first things first? How do you know for sure that you are not chasing the wrong things? In today’s passage, Jesus answers those questions. 

Jesus humbled himself in obedience. What will it mean for us to humble ourselves before God? 

Prayer is simply talking with God. A conversation with the Creator. Who better to learn from than Jesus?