Day 12 of 12: Christian Self Examination: Talking and Listening to God

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"Prayer is a sincere, sensible, affectionate pouring out of the heart and soul to God through Christ, in the strength and assistance of the Holy Spirit, for such things as God has promised or, according to the Word, for the good of the church, with submission, in faith, to the will of God." - John Bunyan

This rather long single sentence captures every element of powerful Christian prayer. Let's review the elements of true prayer.

Prayer is, among other things:

Sincere,
Sensible,
Affectionate,
Directed to God through Christ,
Done in the strength and power of the Holy Spirit,
Seeking what God has promised,
Based on the Word,
Seeking the good of the church (the body of Christ --present and future),
Offered in submission and faith to God's will.

Pray as you would have a conversation with a friend - listen and speak; be patient while you wait for answers; assume goodness and love; don't demand or command; look to the future and look forward to your time together.

I hope this twelve day journey has given you insight, inspiration, and encouragement.

If you have just discovered this series, go ahead and back up to read the previous posts. Feel free to share this series with friends, family, fellow church members, your Bible study group, Sunday School, or anyone you believe will find this useful.

Wishing you many blessings as you seek a closer and deeper connection with God.

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