We reap what we sow.
Galatians 6:7
INTIMACY
How do we have intimacy with God?
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present our requests to God.
Philippians 4:6 New International Version (NIV)
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
Keller says “Persons can exchange information without much self-disclosure. Some conversations, however, go deeper and we sense that both of us are revealing not just information but our very selves. The conversation then becomes a personal encounter, a true connection.” This is the relationship we hope to have with God through prayer, seeking God through deep, meaningful, open and connected conversations.
Prayer is vulnerable. When we fully engage in this act, we begin to open ourselves up in ways that we may mask to the ones we are closest to. The beautiful thing is that when we allow ourselves to let go through engagement in prayer, we can develop a relationship so powerful that we sense fullness, a completeness that is hard to walk away from.
Lesli White, How to Experience Intimacy with God through Prayer, Beliefnet.com
Jesus’ model for prayer: Matthew 6:9-13
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever.] Amen.
U.S. Book of Common Prayer, 1928 edition
P…R…A…Y
P – Praise God
R – Repent
A – Ask
Y – Yield