Prayer is hallowed ground

Hennie Symington

“Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” Luke 11:1b

“These people, says God, honour me with their words,

but their heart is really far away from me.” Mark 7:6b

“They take advantage of widows and rob them of their homes, and then make a show of saying long prayers. Their punishment will be all the worse!” Mark 12:40

“When you pray …”

To talk about prayer is not easy precisely because it is so personal. Yet so much has been spoken and written about prayer that it might be a good idea to look at the do’s and don’ts of prayer.

Don’t even try to pray if you are not prepared to face the hypocrisy and dishonesty in your own heart. Jesus did not spare his words in condemning the Pharisees who prayed incessantly while robbing the widow of her mite.

If there is anything between you and another person that stands in the way of prayer, deal with it. Jesus tells of a man who on his way to the temple remembered that he had something against his brother. He turned around then and there to sort things out.

Do not think of prayer as a way of twisting God’s arm. Instead, look at prayer as a way listening to God in such a way that you will come in harmony with his will for you life.

Do not search for God in high places and other holy sites. He is present in your very own backyard, your workplace or anywhere wherever you find yourself. He is as much present in the hustle and bustle of the city as He is in stillness and silence.

Prayer is …

Ultimately prayer is a means of calling upon the presence of God and to open yourself up to his presence. It is not you who is going to transform God; it is you who will be transformed by God.

Prayer for the day:

Lord, so often I’m stumped for words when it comes to prayer, yet I know that you are part of my waking and my sleeping. You are beside me wherever I am. Thank you for being so close to me. Amen.