Christianity 101: How to Pray

 

Daily Thoughts and Encouragement for January 13, 2015

 

HOW TO PRAY

Daily Thoughts: Prayer is an essential and will strengthen my relationship with God.

Daily Reading: Various

 

We sometimes take for granted what we have learned in our walk with Jesus. There are brothers and sisters among us who don't experience the blessings of prayers simply because they "don't know how" or aren't comfortable with it.
Does it matter if I pray standing up, sitting down or kneeling? Should my hands be open, closed, or lifted up to God? Do our eyes need to be closed when we pray? Should we pray in the morning when we get up or at night before we go to bed? Are there certain words we need to say in our prayers? How do we begin our prayers? What is the proper way to close a prayer? What is the proper way to pray anyway? These questions are common questions asked about prayer.

 Some believe that if we do not say exactly the right things, or pray in the right position, God will not hear and answer our prayer. This is completely unbiblical. God does not answer our prayers based on when we pray, where we are, what position our body is in, or in what order we word our prayers. We are told in 1 John 5:14-15 to have confidence when we come to God in prayer, knowing He hears us and will grant whatever we ask as long as it is in His will. Similarly, John 14:13-14 declares, “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” According to these and many other Scriptures, God answers prayer requests based on whether they are asked according to His will and in the name of Jesus (to bring glory to Jesus).

So, what is the proper way to pray? Philippians 4:6-7 tells us to pray without being anxious, to pray about everything, and to pray with thankful hearts. God will answer all such prayers with the gift of His peace in our hearts. The proper way to pray is to pour out our hearts to God, being honest and open with God, as He already knows us better than we know ourselves. We are to present our requests to God, keeping in mind that God knows what is best and will not grant a request that is not His will for us. We are to express our love, gratitude, and worship to God in prayer without worrying about having just the right words to say. God is more interested in the content of our hearts than the eloquence of our words.

The closest the Bible comes to giving a “pattern” for prayer is the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13. Please understand that the Lord’s Prayer is not a prayer we are to memorize and recite to God. It is an example of the things that should go into a prayer—worship, trust in God, requests, confession, and submission. We are to pray for the things the Lord’s Prayer talks about, using our own words and “customizing” it to our own journey with God. The proper way to pray is to express our hearts to God. Sitting, standing, or kneeling; hands open or closed; eyes opened or closed; in a church, at home, or outside; in the morning or at night—these are all side issues, subject to personal preference, conviction, and appropriateness. God’s desire is for prayer to be a real and personal connection between Himself and us.

 

Start simply by expressing your inner most feelings to God. As foreign as it may seem at first. Soon you will not only feel more comfortable with prayer, but will enjoy it and the many blessings that come with it. It is a practice that cannot be overlooked by any believer. 

 

Adapted from:  http://www.gotquestions.org/how-to-pray.html#ixzz3OfTzS3cz


I wept when I saw this.

 

 

Daily Thoughts and Encouragement for January 12, 2015

BAPTISM

 





 If you attend a mainstream kind of church (if you attend church), chances are that this Sunday you talked about baptism. Today, I would like to share Stasias story- because pictures are worth a thousand words.

New Life Through Baptism- Stasias Story

Maybe God has been nudging you to take the step of faith to become baptized. If this is the case- act on it. Let yourself share all the burdens and hurts of the past to begin a new journey with Jesus Christ.

Be blessed!
-Alan

Updates & Information On the Five Minute Connection

 

 

Updates & Information

 

Blog Schedule: The blog is a supplement to enhance and uplift your work week. It will be available Monday through Friday (each day's blog is published the night before for early readers). The exceptions of course are occasional holidays, illnesses, etc. that might arise (I'm only one man after all).

 

How to best use the blog: You will notice that I don't always put the scripture into the blog. This is intentional and is a way to help you get into the habit of reading the Bible.  The best use is to take a special part of your day (ideally the beginning but it can be anytime) and set it aside. Give this time to God, reflect in the word and the message presented. This small step goes a long way.

 

Name Change?: You will see that our Facebook name changed from "Five Minute Ministries" to "The Five Minute Connection". As we develop our home church we thought it to be more fitting to call it the latter to avoid confusion regarding the actual ministry. We haven't set a name for the home church ministry at this point. Additionally, referring to the ministry as a "connection" feels more comfortable to our non-church friends.

 

If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact me anytime at ammcormick607@gmail.com

 

-Alan

 

 

 

 

Be A Baby

Daily Thoughts and Encouragement for January 9, 2015

 

BACKSLIDING- Lessons from Infants

Daily Thought: Its up to me to keep moving forward

Daily Reading: 1 Peter 1:13-20, 2:1-2

 

So you did it. You became a Christian. Maybe you got connected, found a church home, really gave yourself over to God. But, in time,  you missed a day of church here or there, that then became missing half the time, and now you struggle to make it on the holidays.  Chances are that you have really good excuses too, like that person who really ticked you off or your simply "too busy" to make it. I've been there, I backslid. Even went back to fully living by societies standards. Luckily, my life as I knew it fell apart, and I endured great pain. I can say luckily because it caused me to rediscover my faith and Christian life and fully commit to it this time.

 

In fact, backsliding is easy. Christianity has become counter-culture. Its often not a popular thing to go to church and its difficult to live this life in a world that views Christian morals as archaic or old fashioned. God never promised us an easy ride as Christians. Still, we have to hold God close to our hearts and press on. God calls it to live holy lives as Christians (verse 16). But how can we hold on to it?

 

I wrote a blog entitled "GROW" on this subject as well. In our reading from today, Peter tells us to be "like newborn babies craving spiritual milk so that we can grow into a full experience of salvation". Let us reflect a moment on this great analogy. How often to babies drink? Having a baby home myself, I can say that it seems like all the time. It is constant. So this is how we should approach our faith. With a ceaseless thirst for learning, growing and experiencing God. If we remain stagnant- we will undoubtedly fail to grow. And if we do not grow- we will not thrive.

 

 If you want more of your faith than just to survive it- If you want to thrive in it, then its up to you to consistently and earnestly seek God and dive into the incredible adventure that is being a Christian. Think "girls night" or "guys night out" was awesome? I dare you to really dive into this life and to compare those feelings to the ones you'll feel in wide-open worship. The feelings that you will have when you work for two weeks to restore water to a village in Haiti and watch the children take the first drink. The feelings you will have when you help a homeless person into a home, or provide food to the hungry. Or when you walk hand-in-hand with your soul mate to the alter for your fiftieth wedding anniversary. God is calling you to a journey of a lifetime. Will you accept his invitation?

 

An idea for the "Converted Christian"

Luckily, when I first accepted God and surrendered my pride and will, there were some keepsakes that I had saved that reminded me of it. Notes, a card from my pastor, and little objects that bring me back to the time and place. I had done this from advice I received from another believer and I am glad that I did. To this day, when I am feeling down or persecuted, I open the binder I made and reflect on my life and how it felt those first moments as a Christian. It always lifts my spirits and keeps me focused.

 

 



 

YOU REPRESENTIN????

Daily Thoughts and Encouragement for January 7, 2015

 

ARE YOU REPRESENTING?

 

Daily Thought: Does my private life reflect Christ?

Daily Readings: Matthew 6:1-3, 5-7, 16-17

 

Have you ever met the all-to forward "super Christian"? The one this spits talk of Gods love; telling you about your need of saving? The one who has all the scriptures memorized and pulls them out of a hat for every occasion? We are talking about the ones that just can't wait to tell you about the child they sponsor from Haiti but have never invited you over for dinner. We all have. Then some time later you learn the couple is up for divorce after a long-standing affair, or that they lost everything to a gambling addiction, or someone got arrested for drinking and driving or domestic violence. The amount of detriment this causes the faith is unparalleled. Think about it- we are still apologizing for the crusades!

 

Today I would like to encourage reflection. As "good of a person" as we think we are- do we reflect the love of Christ in the deepest and most personal aspects of our lives? Do we live humbly, pray in private and give anonymously? Where can we enact new spiritual disciplines that will help us to focus where it matters most?

 

You will find in todays readings that Jesus spoke about this specifically. If we want to bring people to God we must fully represent what he does. And this starts in the hidden corners and closets of our lives.

 

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the infinite teachings found in your word. Help me today to start to life my faith from the inside out, so that my life will shine as an example of your endless love and grace. Amen.

P.S.- It makes no sense to wear this much jewelry while working out (gym in background)

ARE YOU LISTENING?!

 

Daily Thoughts and Encouragement for January 6, 2015

 

ARE YOU LISTENING!?

Does God hear and answer prayers?

 

Daily Reading: Luke 7:21

Daily Thought: God answers every prayer

 

It's easy to ask this question, especially for the new Christians, when the going gets tough.  Wait- I'm putting it lightly. It can be easy to ask this question after a job loss, or after your relationship falls apart, or when the lights are shut off, while your sitting in a jail cell or in recovery, or when someone close to you DIES. I will admit that I have not only felt this way- but questioned my ENTIRE BELIEF in God during some of my difficult and early trials as a Christian.

 

First, know that you are not alone. Nearly every Christian has battled this question at some point in their faith. And the ones that haven't probably either will at some point or are delusional (but that's another topic). Second, I want to assure you that he has heard you.

 

Not enough? - Stay with me.

 

Let me start by saying that God clearly cares about us. Demonstrated in our reading from Luke 7:21, Jesus spent a ton of time- you could say most of it- curing and healing individuals from ailments of every kind, including death. As amazing as it is in itself, it sends a message. God DOES care. In fact, throughout the ENTIRE BIBLE are references and examples of God saving, helping or somehow delivering people in everything from famine to war. God loves us enough that he took away the finality of death. I say that's a pretty good God.

 

Next is coming to terms with the answer God is giving you to your prayer. We, as a society, have turned prayer into some kind of old school episode of I dream of Jeannie.

 

Remember this phrase: God answers every prayer with a YES, a NO, or a NOT YET. Repeat it a thousand times if you have to. Truly understanding this phrase may have literally saved my life- and it can save yours. As simple as that phrase is, there is much depth and truth to it.

 

You can begin to understand this phrase if you start a prayer journal- which is (you guessed it) a journal of the prayers that you have offered to God. Do it regularly and for a long time. Then sit down and read your prayers of the past. God's purpose for you during your toughest times can suddenly become clear and evident. This practice holds tremendous value. Not only can you experience healing and gain understanding of God's plan for your life, but you will start to see him in a very clear and real way- trusting and leaning on God in a way that you have never experienced before. After all, hindsight is 20/20. Remember, God has already dealt with it on your behalf (there are no surprises for God).

 

Believe that you can and will make it through your situation, one way or another. Luckily- we serve a God that cares for and loves us. God conquered even the grave for us so that we may live in Him. Keep praying, and strive to learn and develop in your faith so that when testing comes- you will choose to cling tighter to God instead of letting go. This is an important step to experiencing the love and healing power of God that few have. God Bless.

 

 

 



 



Bringing Power Back to Prayer

Daily Thoughts and Encouragement for January 5, 2015 

Bringing Power Back to Prayer

Daily Thought: Prayer is Powerful!

Daily Reading: Matthew 6:5-14

Lets start with using a little bit of imagination. Picture yourself as a person brand-new to church. You don't come from a Christian background. You don't know the Christian lingo or the ways that services are conducted. You don't see God in a personal or even real context. You are "going in blind". As you enter through the doors, what you know is what you have seen on television or heard through the media (and it is not typically the good side of it). You have basically already counted the whole thing out. But your there. 

A handshake is extended at the door. Then you take a seat. You can't figure out why an older couple just coming in is now scowling at you. The services start. A few announcements of programs and desperate urging for assistance and commitment emits from a few tired looking and clearly overly extended individuals. Now its time for joys and concerns. The first woman stands up and asks for something called "travel mercies". You think to yourself- is she really asking for people to pray for her two hour trip to see her family?! Another stands to brag about her children making honor roll yet again and hopes that they will get into an expensive college. Then a third man stands to condemn the "government liberals wrecking the nation". You shut down. "Are these people serious?" You ask yourself, suddenly unsure if you said it aloud. Someone then speaks on behalf of a woman who just lost her husband of fifty years. You are touched and expect someone else to say something. Then the Pastor ushers the people into prayer, saying something like this: "Lord God, thank you for the blessings we have in our lives, please be with those who are hurting, and those in leadership, and bring people to you. Amen."

That's it?! You ask yourself. You now spend the rest of the service justifying why the media is right about church. 

You don't need a M-Div to recognize that there are a lot of problems in the example above, but to keep it short and simple, I would like to tackle prayer. Or the lack of true, meaningful prayer 

in so many of our churches. Forgive me for being bold- and then let me tell you that I was once guilty of the same thing. Then I changed how and for what I prayed for- with life-altering success. 

There are countless studies on "how to pray". I can't possibly cover it here. But what I want to cover is this: we should know to make it count.  As a whole, the Christian community has devalued prayer. So much in fact, that saying the words "I'll pray for you" is used condescendingly by some. If we are "doing our jobs" right as Christians, those that prayers are offered for should feel uplifted and loved by it. Even knowing that you are in prayer can bring healing, hope and peace!

Make a commitment to bring power to your prayer. Try this for even thirty days: Only pray and ask for prayers on things that are significant and have a profound impact on your heart and attitude. Likewise- do not offer prayer without the same. Do not tell a single person that you will "pray for them" unless you are going to be on your knees crying out to God on their behalf. Next, if your bold enough or can muster the courage to be, when prayers are asked for, offer them up on the spot. That person will, in turn, know that they were/are indeed prayed for, which helps to feel validated and loved. 

As you can imagine, there are countless scriptural references on prayer, the purpose, and how to do it. Today's reading discusses what is referred to as the Lords Prayer, and is a guide on some of the how-to. But read and reflect on the words. Do so especially if you have recited these words for a long time. Take a time out to rediscover what it means. 

We can do this! We can bring value and power back to prayer. The Bible tells us that prayer is so powerful that it can change our hearts and minds towards even our greatest enemies. We owe it to God, to HIS people, and to ourselves to make prayer count!