I'm one of the people you describe at the beginning of this piece - every morning I kneel beside my bed, make the sign of the Cross, and say my daily prayers.
Consistency is a powerful thing. Consistent prayer taught me that praying to ask is going about things the wrong way. Instead, prayers (for me) are always simple thanks and praise - everything has already been given, and the Lord has given me everything I need.
I like the idea of writing them down, though, and I'll implement this right away. My wife and I are expecting our first child soon, and I've begun writing him letters daily -- perhaps I'll integrate the two practices.
Thanks for your perspective, and congratulations on the imminent arrival of you first child! What a blessing! Letters to your unborn child will one day be an amazing gift for them to cherish.
I'm interested to know what you mean by "praying to ask is going about things the wrong way." Is it the asking alone or the consistency of asking or something else?
Focusing solely on the words of Jesus, we are told to make petitions to Him in prayer and in His name (cf. Matt 7:7; 21:22; Mark 11:24; Luke 11:9; and John 15:7, to name a few). Here it is crucial that we remember that God, as any good Father, will not withhold anything that is good from us that is asked according to His will.
Thanks for this, Levi.
I'm one of the people you describe at the beginning of this piece - every morning I kneel beside my bed, make the sign of the Cross, and say my daily prayers.
Consistency is a powerful thing. Consistent prayer taught me that praying to ask is going about things the wrong way. Instead, prayers (for me) are always simple thanks and praise - everything has already been given, and the Lord has given me everything I need.
I like the idea of writing them down, though, and I'll implement this right away. My wife and I are expecting our first child soon, and I've begun writing him letters daily -- perhaps I'll integrate the two practices.
To echo Drew, I love the practicality here.
Thanks for your perspective, and congratulations on the imminent arrival of you first child! What a blessing! Letters to your unborn child will one day be an amazing gift for them to cherish.
I'm interested to know what you mean by "praying to ask is going about things the wrong way." Is it the asking alone or the consistency of asking or something else?
Focusing solely on the words of Jesus, we are told to make petitions to Him in prayer and in His name (cf. Matt 7:7; 21:22; Mark 11:24; Luke 11:9; and John 15:7, to name a few). Here it is crucial that we remember that God, as any good Father, will not withhold anything that is good from us that is asked according to His will.
Love the practicality here! This practice is within reach of all of us.
Thanks, Drew! That's the point, I think: prayer can be practical, enjoyable, and true worship in spirit and truth.