Practicing His Presence-Guided By Prayer Part 5

When should we pray?

“pray continually…” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV

1.     Each MORNING as we start the day.

2.     Each time we sense a NEED.

3.     With each BREATH we take.

Practicing His Presence-Guided by Prayer Part 4

What should we pray?

“This, then, is how you should pray:


“‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one. “ Matthew 6:9-13 NIV

1.     Our own SINCERE words.

2.     SCRIPTURE.

3.     Prayers of OTHERS who walk with God.

Practicing His Presence-Guided By Prayer Part 3

How should we pray?

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Matthew 6:5-8 NIV

1.     With a heart of THANKFULNESS and PRAISE.

2.     In the QUIETNESS of our own prayer space.

3.     From a posture of HUMILITY and DEPENDENCE.

4.     With a HUNGER to hear from God.

Practicing His Presence-Guided By Prayer Part 2

Why should we pray?

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

1.     To grow CLOSER to God.

2.     To CONFESS our sins and receive God’s forgiveness.

3.     To strengthen our faith in times of DOUBT.

4.     To bring others to the HANDS of God.

5.     To seek GUIDANCE from God.

Practicing His Presence-Guided By Prayer Part 1

Over the past few weeks, we have been exploring the idea that growing in our relationship is like learning the steps to dance we dance with God.

I was inspired to think this way when I read about an idea from the Eastern Orthodox Church called "Perichoresis". This term denotes the idea that the Trinity-God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit-exists together in such a relationship that is much like a dance. In turn when we begin to learn to walk deeply in our walk with God, we also "dance" with God.

This series, "Practicing His Presence", focuses on the idea that the disciples and followers of Jesus spent the 40 days following the resurrection enjoying the presence of the risen Lord Jesus before His ascension into heaven.

How can we do the same? By learning spiritual disciplines, or dance steps, that help us walk more closely with God. So far we have learned the steps of repentance, worship, and scripture meditation. This past Sunday, we explored the steps of living a life guided by prayer.

While prayer seems like the most obvious of disciplines, many have shared with me how difficult it is to push beyond shallow prayers filled with repetition derailed by distraction.

Follow throughout the week as we consider the why, how, what, and why of prayer.