The Painful Subject of Prayer:
As I consider my own prayer life, I see the lacking of a sincere time spent in it but rather a almost regular memorized prayer for what I am about to eat and bedtime prayer absent of all reverence and real thanks. Am I taking for granted everyday with the blessings with it , like my health, family and my basic needs?
I honestly will say , yes. I look at what I have and only crave more, a feeling of constant attempt to gain more and less content with what I have. I see the homeless and judge them for not working for food but for a free hand out. I pray for love and a diffrent heart of servanthood and wait for some external feeling, I wait impatiently and get distracted by my own desires for pleasure, comfort and security. I still rely on my own efforts and rarely rest on The Lord Jesus Christ as my guide thru this life and the Word of God has become a topical ointment not a heart medication.
I can also relate to seeking a feeling of faith or courage during my sincere prayers these usually only occur during in times of distress not in the days of peace and tranquility. I can relate to Uncle Screwtape in keeping me focused on myself and current situation and not seeking to pray to the Lord Jesus Christ. I have always tried to find a way to deepen my prayer life. I believe to become more spiritual I must be less enslaved to this world and the things that take my time away from building a relationship with my Father and if I can make time for Him in prayer and in the Word , my stagnate prayer life may blossom. The biggest tool to harm this time with my Father is getting drawn away by the subtle lures of sin.
I pray for my family that we may become mature followers of our Lord Jesus Christ and that we might become mighty prayer warriors for His Kingdom. That His power of the Holy Spirit may strengthen us and equip us for any attack that Satan and his forces may deploy. May we stand with courage and resolve as we face down the weapons of the evil one knowing that our God will never leave us or forsake us. I pray this in the name of the Majestic, Almighty, Ruler of the universe our Lord Jesus Christ!
Your Brother,
Daniel Smith
The Voyage of Life, Thomas Cole