Bt Kim King-Pastor of Congregational Care- ST. Luke's UMC
I've talked to many people who have shared with me that recent events of violence and divisiveness in our communities, both near and far, have made them feel unsettled and anxious. Most of us have more questions than answers, but all of us know that worry can lead to serious, even fatal, outcomes.
More and more medical research from leading hospitals and universities across the U.S. has conclusively shown belief in God really IS good for you and that belief in God actually makes you healthier and happier, which can lead to a longer life. Prayer is essential to a life of faith. Perhaps these tips will be helpful in thinking about how to include prayer in your daily spiritual practice.
4 Practical Tips for Prayer
1. Stop.
Jesus often stopped everything he was doing in order to go off by himself and pray.
2. Reflect.
Reflecting on how God is at work in our lives on a daily basis is an essential part of prayer.
3. Confess.
Be real with God. Tell God genuinely what’s on your heart and mind.
4. Respond.
As you pray and spend time in Scripture and learn to discern God’s voice. God may present you with an invitation to act. When you sense God calling you to do something, respond.
When we’re caught up in an endless cycle of worry, we need to stop, reflect, confess and be reminded to “open our eyes” so that we may see how God is working in our lives, and be comforted.
Let us pray.
Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks. Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.(Philippians 4:6-7-CEB)
I've talked to many people who have shared with me that recent events of violence and divisiveness in our communities, both near and far, have made them feel unsettled and anxious. Most of us have more questions than answers, but all of us know that worry can lead to serious, even fatal, outcomes.
More and more medical research from leading hospitals and universities across the U.S. has conclusively shown belief in God really IS good for you and that belief in God actually makes you healthier and happier, which can lead to a longer life. Prayer is essential to a life of faith. Perhaps these tips will be helpful in thinking about how to include prayer in your daily spiritual practice.
4 Practical Tips for Prayer
1. Stop.
Jesus often stopped everything he was doing in order to go off by himself and pray.
2. Reflect.
Reflecting on how God is at work in our lives on a daily basis is an essential part of prayer.
3. Confess.
Be real with God. Tell God genuinely what’s on your heart and mind.
4. Respond.
As you pray and spend time in Scripture and learn to discern God’s voice. God may present you with an invitation to act. When you sense God calling you to do something, respond.
When we’re caught up in an endless cycle of worry, we need to stop, reflect, confess and be reminded to “open our eyes” so that we may see how God is working in our lives, and be comforted.
Let us pray.
Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks. Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.(Philippians 4:6-7-CEB)