Hello Gloria Dei,
I’ve shared this with you before, but I love the story about the photographer who was on safari doing a photo shoot in Africa. All of a sudden he came across a lion, only ten feet away. He managed to get a picture, but the lion began to walk slowly towards him. The photographer started to walk slowly away. As the lion was still walking toward him, the man began to walk faster. With the lion close behind he began to run. The lion was catching up so he ran as fast as he could to get away from the lion, but by this time the fierce lion was running and gaining easily on this photographer. As it became clear that the lion was ready to overtake the man he prayed out to God in a loud voice, “Lord God, please turn this ferocious lion into a Christian.” And all of a sudden the lion stopped. The man said, “Thank you God for turning this lion into a Christian.” Then he looked and saw the lion kneeling down in prayer. With the man close enough to hear the prayer, the lion said, “Thank you, O God, for this food that I am about to eat.”
Ah yes, prayer. It is one of the most powerful forces on earth. I recall my mother telling me once that each and every day, she prayed for her six children. I asked her, “Why do you pray for all of us, Mom?” “Because I care for all of you, and I want what’s best for you”, was her reply.
In Jesus’ ministry, his disciples asked him to teach them to pray. Jesus proceeded to teach them what we now call “The Lord’s Prayer”. Over these next two weeks in worship, our preaching theme will be “The Lord’s Prayer”.
In preparation for this two-week series, I want you to ponder the magnificence of this gift called prayer. Think about it: The God of all creation, who is not bound by space or time, has given us access to him anytime and anywhere. We can bring our praise, our concerns, our joys and our sorrows to him. We can bring everything to God. And this is not a God who doesn’t care about us. This is a God who has shown just how much he loves us by sending his Son to live, die, and rise on our behalf.
Strive to make your life a life filled with prayer. Simple, yet profound, conversations with God. Like my mom wanted what was best for her children, so too God wants what is best for you. “Thy will be done” we pray. God’s will for you is that you know the love, grace, and forgiveness that is yours in Jesus Christ. Lift your life to God in prayer, now and always. God loves you.
See you in worship,
Pastor Tim
