Prayer is an unnatural activity. From birth, we learn the rules of self-reliance as we strain and struggle toward independence, and frankly, prayer flies in the face of all that. It is an assault on human autonomy, an indictment on self-sufficient living. To people like me, who are fond of racing down the fast lane, determined to make it on their own, prayer can seem a really annoying interruption. Although prayer is alien to our proud human nature, somehow, at some point along life’s journey, most of us fall to our knees, bow our heads, fix our attention on God and just plain pray.
Bill Hybels, Too Busy NOT to Pray, 2008, pp. 13
PRAYER:
Communication with God
Community with God
communis (Latin):
Common, shared by many
“…by intuition or experience we understand that the most intimate communion with God comes only through prayer.”
-Bill Hybels
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
English Standard Version (ESV)
Twenty years ago I reached a breaking point. I’d been a Christ-follower for more than a decade, Willow Creek was growing like a weed and in many regards the future looked bright – divinely bright even. But despite all the inspiring dynamics unfolding around me, my prayer life was gasping for breath. I knew the importance of prayer. I know how to pray. And I even wanted to pray. I just didn’t pray, at least with the frequency and intensity I knew I should.
Bill Hybels, Too Busy NOT to Pray, Intro. to 20th Anniv. Ed.
JESUS PRAYED
Jesus replied [to his disciples], “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
Matthew 21:21-22
New International Version (NIV)
Two Principles of Mountain Moving Prayer
1. Faith comes by looking at God, not the mountain.
2. God gives us faith as we walk by His side.
God Answers Prayer: No – Slow – Grow – Go
How Do I Pray? Praise the Lord, Repent, Ask, Yield
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Philippians 4:6
New Living Translation (NLT)