Jesus chose us and empowers us to live fruitful, good, loving lives. When we accept this life, Jesus says we can ask God for whatever we need and receive it. But this prayer must not be undertaken recklessly, selfishly, or thoughtlessly.
If we are to be people chosen to do Jesus's missionary work, we need to return again and again to
Jesus to be made new. As we remain in Jesus' love, we learn in ever-deepening ways what Jesus will be for us and for those we are sent to serve. We will see creation more vividly through Jesus' eyes. We will hear more clearly the prompting of the Holy Spirit and the cries of those calling out for God.
Whilst liturgy offered by the church is Spirit-inspired and powerful in its own right, it becomes empty mutterings if it simply becomes
repetitive recitation. Prayer must be made in faith. We must believe in and understand what we are asking for or not pray. We must also know deep within our hearts that what we ask for is what Jesus would approve of. If we do not carry this conviction and we pray in Jesus' name, we are using Jesus' name in vain.
Our prayer should also be based on a deep conviction that God knows what is best. Perhaps a helpful thought is that God has
only two answers to prayer: “Yes, I will give what you ask” or “I have something better for you.”
Finally, we should always remember that prayer does not change God, but it does have the potential to change us.
As our week draws to a close, may we remember that in all we do for God, Jesus asks us to do one simple thing: “Love each other as I have
loved you.” May this request govern and direct all our attitudes and actions.
What has been the most significant prayer that you have said in your life? What made it significant?
Is your prayer made out of obligation or as a conversation with God?
In what ways would you like to grow in
your prayer?
Reflections by Cherie-Lynn van der Merwe
