Pondering Point

Similar to prayers offered by the Jewish men of his day, Paul encourages all men to pray – not as a mere formality, but in unity with each other. Take note of the comment about “holy hands” as opposed to unclean hands. We don’t want our prayers mingled with attitudes that are saddled with anger or disputes.

An unhealthy mindset toward others makes for an unhealthy mindset with God in prayer. Think “pure in heart.” Your spiritual posture is much more important than any physical one. It’s hard to share love and grace when we harbor bitterness and envy.

Prayer Thoughts
Chapter 22

Being with Korean Christian believers on individual prayer mats at Jesus Abbey exposed me to a new fervency in praying that I had not experienced before with Christians in other places. At their prayer services a scripture passage was read and studied. A situation or place was mentioned as how this topic could apply to the world today. Then when it was time to pray, everyone prayed out loud and at the same time. They did not hold back their tears, passion and cries. At first I was surprised, confused, and distracted. The leader gave the signal to begin, and a roar of prayer flooded the chapel until the leader spoke above the noise or a bell signaled that it was time to quit. I could not keep my mind on my own conversation with God… Most often we have conversational prayers led by one person in the group…There seemed to be far more power and unity when everyone was praying instead of listening to one person. It certainly removed fear that others would be critical of the words the person was using to speak to God. Compared to the Korean Christians, my prayer life seemed to be halfhearted. I left Korea inspired to bolster the fervency of my prayer life.
[Got His book? Read pages 109-112]
~ Keep Me and Keep All, Smith

Also check out Pastor Bob’s answer to Prayer Question #44 on p. 287-289: “How come sometimes God doesn’t answer prayer?”