Different Ways to Pray – Many Verses!

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Different Ways to Pray – Many Verses!

Think of prayer as communication with the Divine Creator of the universe. You may find that concept equally terrifying and exciting. The great news is that God wants to communicate with us because, as an expression of His love for humanity, God wants to have a deeply personal, intimate relationship with each of us. With all of that in mind, any sincere prayer is a good prayer. Prayer is NOT a performance to be graded; it is a genuine point of connection.

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1 Samuel 17 – David and Goliath

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1 Samuel 17 – David and Goliath

David used the word “rescued” several times in today’s story.
The God who rescued the Israelites from Egyptian slavery can and does rescue us.
The God who rescued Daniel from the lions’ den can and does rescue us.
The God who rescued David from a terrifying opponent can and does rescue us.
The God who rescued Jesus from the powers of death can and does rescue us.

Thank God, we have been rescued, we are being rescued, and we will be rescued in our future. Knowing this, we can confidently step into God’s leading with David’s youthful boldness, the same boldness which enabled him to overcome his problems – and his failures – and lead his people into greatness. Embracing such bold faith will enable us to lead ourselves, our neighborhoods, and our communities into moments and places reflective of God’s Kingdom.

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1 Samuel 3:1-10, 18-20 – Samuel's Call Story

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1 Samuel 3:1-10, 18-20 – Samuel's Call Story

From Hannah, we learn that God may respond to our prayers through the words and actions of people around us as Eli did for Hannah. And we learn to patiently await the fulfillment of answered prayers.
From Samuel, we learn to be active listeners, and we learn that neither our age nor our qualifications or accomplishments – OR lack thereof – prevent God from speaking to us directly.
From Eli, we learn the value of the wisdom we’ve acquired throughout our lives and the importance of nurturing younger generations despite our own failings. We are never Unqualified for God to use us.

As we, individually and collectively, look to our future, let us all pray with Hannah’s deep passion, let us all listen with Samuel’s attentiveness, and let us all serve those around us with Eli’s nurturing wisdom. As much as we are able to explore and express our faith in these ways, we will continue to create moments where God’s love is able to irrupt in our homes and in our community.

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