I often describe my vocational calling of pastor as a “joyous burden”. I meant JOY!ous burden, Joy being the congregation I serve. It is not work or a job, but a privilege to be a servant/leader. When it comes to prayer, it can be burdensome most of the time, like a task to be performed. We often find it difficult to find the “right” words, forgetting that all prayer is pleasing and acceptable to God. All that is required is a right Spirit of prayer. That Spirit, as a starting point, will intercede for us.

Do you find prayer to be emotional?

Deep, honest prayer may find you weeping, pounding your fists, even laughing out loud. It is a struggle, especially when confessing sin. I suggest seeing God in Jesus, our constant companion, guide, and friend. As the Truest Friend, he will always want what is best for you. He is both pilot and navigator, with “GPS” – “God’s Positioning System”. When Jesus “takes the wheel”, we find peace. It comes through the work of trusting implicitly in His holy will. Be persistent in this, my friends in Christ! You won’t experience results if you are casual and lackadaisical about your faith and attentiveness to God. It should be as natural as breathing. Too often I mince words, “soft-pedal” what God truly requires. The Ten Commandments are both requirement and gift. Obedience is necessary so that we may reap the fruits of the Spirit. The greatest act of obeying is to love. It is the active verb of the two most important commands.

Believe in the power of prayer. If we as Christians emulate this, if our nation turns wholesale to God in prayer for His holy will, the tide will turn. We will worship and serve God out of sheer love, not because it is politically beneficial or gets people to conform. As you pray without ceasing, feel His unconditional love refresh you anew.  

Pastor Art