Six people have signed up for my cyber-discipling service (let’s be honest – being web-based, it’s an experiment in intentionality and accountability, but comes with big limitations given the distance. Still, because it’s an experiment, I expect we’ll all learn something through it). Their first big questions and struggles seem to revolve around prayer, so that’s where we’re going to devote the next week of this blog.
If you’re interested in learning how to pray more, I encourage you to check out the blog daily. You may also know of a friend who would like to learn more about prayer, and sending them this blog link would be an easy way to encourage them. Unlike a book, these entries occur in real time and are interactive – so the stuff we discuss has the potential to be less stale. Feel free to chime in with your own questions and comments. I will try to keep it practical and biblical.
Jesus’ instructions give us a good caution:
“The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense.” (Matthew 6:5) No formulas or easy answers on this blog.
Let me prime the pump by suggesting that we will always fall short of our destiny as long as we take shortcuts around the prayerful life that God wants for us. God takes ordinary people like you and me and turns them into world changers as they commit to a life of prayer.
We will cover seven questions next week:
- Why do we pray in the first place?
- Why pray for 45 minutes?
- How to spend an hour in prayer?
- How to find time to pray?
- Are there tools to help me?
- What is listening prayer?
- How do I break out of the monologue habit?
Thanks Seth! This will be great. You have really been an encouragement to me and have spurred me on to identify specific areas of struggles and up the annie on my prayer life. My husband and I will be holding each other accountable to the things you are encouraging!
Intercession has always been close to my heart. While I have had opportunities to spend select periods of time in extended prayer, my everyday prayer life is not to the depth that I would like. When I’m tired or distracted, it’s hard not to resort back to the “please and thank yous.”
Seth-
Hope all is well. What is this cyber thing you are doing? Is it still open. It sounds interesting, but I am confused as to what it is. Pleas let me know. Thanks.
Just found this little piece on prayer that helped me a lot! Thought I would share.
http://www.helium.com/tm/569381