Early African converts to Christianity were earnest and regular in private devotions. Each one reportedly had a separate spot in the thicket where he would pour out his heart to God. Over time the paths to these places became well worn. As a result, if one of these believers began to neglect prayer, it was soon apparent to the others. They would kindly remind the negligent one, "Brother, the grass grows on your path."
John 17:1 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you
For several in the Church, personal or corporate prayer look very boring. People make their best excuse to stay out of it. Probably it’s more of a religious thing rather than talking to Daddy. It looks like hard work than a daily habit for many. So our prayer lives suffer and we are more like the people of the world, who treat God more like an ATM than a loving father.
We often think that prayer is initiated by us. But no! The moment we call Him Father, we have just responded to who He is. He has always been the initiator and we merely respond. Our prayer begins with our response of knowing the Father. So our prayer times will be to receive his love and to express our love. His presence will fill us and we must get addicted to this. Let’s not pray to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob but let's pray to our Father.
Inspired by the sermon notes of Samuel V Thomas - Crossway - 15th July 2018
Stanley Thomas Isac
Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church in New Delhi, he can be reached at stanleytisac@gmail.com
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