Thursday, April 26, 2007

One word that will transform your prayers

There is one word that will transform your prayers. Before I give you the word, let me mention three myths about prayer:

1st Myth: Looking at prayer as a formality.

Many people have the idea that there are formal, set prayers. Ask them to pray at a wedding or special function, and they think it’s something they need to look up in a book or online.

2nd Myth: Regarding prayer as a transaction

“If I pray,” people think, “especially in a certain way.... God will reciprocate.” This view sees prayer more like a grocery list or a bank transaction. That is why I’m not crazy about the phrase “prayer list”. Is prayer really, at it's heart, about bringing God a list?

3rd myth: Seeing prayer as a monologue

Some people think of prayer in terms of what they say to God and how well they say it. Often, the more words the better. This is a monologue mentality.

All these myths about prayer lead to frustration.

Jesus revolutionized prayer with one word. He said,

Do not be like them (those who babble on and on), for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. "This, then, is how you should pray: " `Our Father in heaven… Matthew 6:8-9

Now this was a new way of praying. No one had addressed God like this before. Nowhere in the Old Testament does anyone address God in prayer as Father. Jesus did it 170 times.

To make this even more profound, the word Jesus often used was “Abba,” the most intimate of terms.

When we view God as Father we experience prayer, not as formality, but as intimacy, not as a transaction but a resource, not as a monologue but a relationship.

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

What prayer does God always answer?

Is there one? I welcome your comments. What prayer does God always answer? (This will be the topic of a message series I begin on April 22).

I've already received one comment (Thanks Paige). Paige said that God answers every prayer ... and in a way, He does (yes, no, or wait). But let's make this harder. Is there a prayer that God always answers in the affirmative? To what prayer does God always say "Yes"? What do you think? Serious or funny comments welcome...

PS Also feel free to comment about this using "Doug's Upcoming Message Survey" on the right hand side of your screen.

Sunday, April 15, 2007

College visits

Just got back from a whirlwind trip with my son to visit some prospective college campuses in the Midwest. It's the middle of April and it was ... snowing! Talk about a reality check! We had a blast though (and a couple snowball fights).

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Touch His Wounds

A week after His resurrection, Jesus appeared to Thomas and made a stunning request: "Put your finger here; see My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side" (John 20.27).

What a bizarre request! Why would anyone want to put their hand into a wound like that? What in the world is Jesus getting at? Imagine seeing Jesus in all His risen glory today. No doubt, it would be amazing and overwhelming at the same time. There is one thing you might not picture. Jesus still bears those scars from the cross. Why would Jesus still have these marks? Why didn't the power of the resurrection erase His wounds? Why are the nail prints still visible?

The wounds of the Risen Jesus are an everlasting reminder that His death and resurrection are real. They also give harsh evidence that He truly understands our pain. The fact that even today Jesus carries those scars, demonstrates that God is not out of touch with our suffering nor removed from our struggles. In fact, because of the Risen, Wounded Jesus we are no longer allowed to picture a God who is distant and removed. His scarred hands reach out to us in the midst of our hurts and failures.

The Bible also says, "by His wounds we are healed" (Isa 53:5). In other words, when we touch His wounds, we find peace and wholeness. Perhaps like Thomas, you need to hear Jesus' invitation to "touch His wounds."

Friday, April 6, 2007

Neck and neck


OK, I've been running a random poll for the last couples weeks to determine whether I should wear a tie for Easter. The race is too close to call right now. You can vote in the column on the right.
Update 4-8-07 : I wore a purple tie on Easter morning. As of late Saturday night the purple tie was leading the survey by one vote... Thanks for participating (all 41 votes); the survey has now been archived.