God’s gift to . . .

Simply Pray

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, had a favorite question that he would ask . . . “How is it with your soul?” . . . It’s a great question for looking into yourself . . . into your heart, mind, spirituality, relationships, and your soul deep within . . . but to truly answer this question deep from your heart, there is another question that has to be considered—"How is your prayer life?” . . . Because all of this comes into focus when you are seeking and working toward a living breathing relationship with God . . . not just knowing about God—but truly and personally knowing God.

“I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.”
Psalm 17:6

Is praying an important part of your life?

Are you happy with your prayer life? . . . Why or why not?

What do you think should change about your prayer life?
                                                                        Does that thought overwhelm you or challenge you?

Have you ever asked God to help . . . to help you find a deeper experience in prayer?

INSIGHT . . .

So . . . What is Prayer?

To pray is to desire change—to desire transformation to the way you approach life with Christ . . . The key to God’s heart is prayer . . . God has provided a path where our lives can be taken over by love and joy and peace and patience and kindness and goodness and faithfulness and gentleness and self-control . . . through conversation with Him.

The Father’s heart is wide open—yet He aches over our distance and preoccupation, He mourns that we do not draw near
to Him, He grieves that we have forgotten Him, He weeps over our obsession with muchness and many-ness, and He longs for our presence. (Richard Foster) . . . We, each and every one of us, are welcome to come in.

Do you accept that? God is waiting for you and for me—to come into His presence.

God is inviting you to talk with Him and to come home where you belong—come through the door of God’s heart,
to His grace and mercy in Jesus Christ.

INVITATION—TO TALK WITH GOD . . .

It is not the body's posture, but the heart's attitude that counts when we pray.
(Billy Graham)

We yearn for prayer and hide from prayer . . . thinking it is something we must “do,” something we must “master.” . . .
but it’s not  . . . God receives us just as we are and accepts our prayers just as they are . . . He says to bring yourself before Me
just as you are, warts and all . . . the good, the bad, and the ugly all mixed in together.

We all will make plenty of mistakes, but each time we can get up and begin again . . . pray again. 

Pour out your heart to the God who is greater than our heart and knows all things . . . He desires a conversation with you,
so begin right where you are  . . . and that is where He is, ready to listen . . . just simply pray.

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God:
that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”
1 John 5:14

ILLUMINATION . . .

Have you ever thought about all the things you can do with a lamp if you don’t plug it in? . . . Plugging a lamp in really limits it, right? . . . You are tied down by that cord . . . Think about all the things a lamp can be used for if you disconnect it from the power supply . . . You could dry socks on it . . . You could walk around with it and pretend it is a microphone—sing, do interviews . . . But if you want to use the lamp for what it was intended to be used for you have to plug it in . . . If you want the greatest benefit and the most effectiveness from it. . . that lamp needs a power supply.

We are just like that lamp . . . In order to do the greatest good, in order to do what God made us for, we have to be plugged into the power supply. . . . and the power we need in order to faithfully navigate every situation, that power supply is found
in Christ through prayer . . . The power we need to be joyful and fruitful in every relationship is found in Christ through prayer . . . everything we need for life and godliness has already been given to us in Christ Jesus . . . God has graciously given us the ability to pray and walk in that power.

Are you willing to walk in the power of Christ—to talk and walk with Him in prayer?

Ask God to help you move forward in this journey.

INSPIRATION—PRAYING THROUGH MUSIC . . .

Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. 
(Berthold Auerbach)

Music can speak to the soul when nothing else can penetrate . . . it can provide, rest, unspoken words, meditation, and support . . . it can provide a source of joy by listening to God speak through the melody and words of another soul.

I encourage you to take time to listen to either or both songs below . . . there is no right or wrong style of music—it is what speaks to you . . . listen to the melody and the lyrics and feel the response of your heart to what God wants you to hear.

♪♬♪ Current . . . Lord, I Need You

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuvfMDhTyMA

♪♬♪ Traditional . . . What a Friend We Have in Jesus

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCV5t8wRBI8&list=RDQCV5t8wRBI8&start_radio=1

INTO EACH DAY AHEAD . . .

Talk with God this week about what you struggle with in prayer  . . . just talk.

Let God know what you appreciate and value about being able to talk with the One who accepts you just as you are.

Ask the Spirit to help you see something new as you spend time with the Lord with a new attitude . . . and stop and listen, open your eyes and heart for the whispers of guidance.

Remember . . . prayer is just talking with our Lord . . . so tell Him about your day, your week, your struggles and joys,
and the others in your life that need Him too.

May you now, by the power of the Holy Spirit, receive the spirit of prayer.
May it be, in the name of Jesus Christ, the most precious focus of your life.
And may the God of all peace strengthen you, bless you, and give you joy.  — Amen.

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Prayer Paths is a weekly email letter designed to “fuel” your active prayer life, help you stay engaged in
focused prayer, and encourage a growing relationship with our Triune God. 

Every week offers a new focus to help keep your prayer life fresh and engaged.

To receive Prayer Paths each week—send a request, with your name and email,
to BarnabasRoad2025@gmail.com