April 16, 2023: Lifestyle Praying
The Word and prayer are two building blocks of the Christian life. These are the source of all spiritual sustenance, guidance, and help. Prayer and the study and use of God’s Word are not simply spiritual activities but the skeletal structure of spiritual living.
In its many forms, prayer has been explored for us by outstanding teachers. We study it as we diligently apply ourselves to the noble art of praying. Intercessions, supplications, thanksgivings, forms, and patterns of all prayers fit into a prayer life. Still, prayer as a lifestyle is what we need the most.
We should set apart special and consistent times for praying. The daily time dedicated to conversing with God, the weekly prayer meeting, and the other designated prayer times should furnish us with a prayer structure. But we are missing something when we do not “pray without ceasing,” are not “instant in prayer,” “praying always,” and “at every remembrance.”
The Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit, dwells in us as a constant companion. Therefore, we should always be conscious of our communication with the abiding presence of God. Lifestyle praying- making every day a running conversation with God- helps us bring “every thought into captivity.”
Lifestyle praying embraces intercessions as we give vent to deep-felt burdens. An awareness of personal needs such as guidance and patience brings us into supplication. Recognition of all the blessings in daily life fills our hearts, mouth, and days with thanksgiving. Lifestyle praying – making prayer our spiritual breath – sensitizes our response to His ability until praise lifts Him high, ruling over all the time and events of our everyday living.
