by Leigh Ann Dilley on February 08, 2024
Many Christians make a practice of recognizing the Lent season, which begins six weeks prior to Easter. This year, Lent begins on February 14, Valentine's Day.
Christians practice the tradition of "giving something up" for Lent. This is an old Catholic tradition that stems from the idea that Lent is a time of preparation and observation of Christ's suffering. It is personalized through some kind of suffering by our own through deprivation. Giving something up is not the only way to observe Lent. Christians can choose to honor the season of Lent by practicing something out of the ordinary, perhaps a new study or an increase in one of the spiritual disciplines.
If this appeals to you, may I suggest adding a new twist on something old: prayer. Yes, learn to pray in a new way by being intentional, fervent, Biblical, specific, energetic, and faithful.
In the Western culture we live in, it is often difficult to recognize our need for prayer because we have so much. Most of the time, we can sufficiently meet our own needs. When we encounter difficult situations, it is our tendency to rely on prayer and the power of God as a last result. And even then, we pray mainly for what we want God to do for us. My will be done instead of thy will be done.
Another issue with prayer is that it can be considered boring. There is nothing active about it. It takes a cerebral effort to formulate the thoughts required for prayer and it takes effort to be reflective. We are busy! Who has time to invest in things unseen? Does it even work?
This Lent, let's rethink prayer!
Prayer is powerful, but we don't always treat it that way. When we pray, we have an opportunity to engage with God Almighty, the one who created the earth and everything in it! Think about how powerful that is! Nothing happens that God does not know about. He is the blessed controller of everything, and He wants a personal relationship with you! He cares about your needs! In addition, I believe sometimes God waits for us to meet Him in prayer before He moves! But that's not all! James 5:16 says, "Confess your sings to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed."
The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. Christians are considered righteous, because of Christ. Other people, including people who don't know God, need our prayers because prayer has great power and produces wonderful results!
Prayer is for everybody, and it's meant to be our time with Jesus. Whether you know it or not, we are all born with an innate desire to be in a relationship with Him because He is the giver of life, and we are His image bearers. Just as He delights in us, we are asked to delight in Him, worship Him, listen to Him, and wait for Him to reveal His desires for us.
Prayer is a time when God will lovingly refine us when we ask:
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
— Psalm 139:23-24
Jesus tells us in John 15:5, "I am the vine, you are the branches...without me, you can do nothing. The bottom line is this: We need Him, and He will help us! God has always asked us to be brave and courageous. Take a courageous step and elevate your communication with your maker!
Prayer is highly underestimated! Romans 8:11 says, "The spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you." Just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, He will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. One of the ways we can make a difference is to claim the power of the Holy Spirit and pray bold and fervent prayers. Don't know how? The great men and women of the Bible humbled themselves, gave God praise, and prayed God's own words back to Him. Open the Bible and see how God speaks to you. Use the word of God as a prayer back to Him. Be specific about what you need but remember who is in control of the universe. God does not need us to tell Him how He should do His job. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Final prayer challenge: Whenever you tell someone you will pray for them, just do it right there with them in your presence! Make it a habit. Do the same thing any time you tell someone you will prayer over a decision. Ask them to pray with you, right then and there. Let others hear you pray — it is one of the ways we share our faith.
If you accept the challenge but need some direction to elevate prayer during Lent, here are some recommended books. Read one with us!
"Fervent: A Woman's Battle Plan for Serious, Specific, and Strategic Prayer" by Priscilla Shirer
"Praying like Monks, Living Like Fools: An Invitation to the Wonder and Mystery of Prayer" by Tyler Staton
"When the Soul Listens: Finding Rest and Direction in Contemplative Prayer" by Jan Johnson (this book will be used at the Women's Ministry Retreat September 20-22, 2024)
"The Power of a Simple Prayer" by Joyce Meyers
Lastly, we gather together here at Timberline weekly to elevate prayer. Join us as we learn to listen and connect with the Lord on Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Room 214.
