Timing

One thing I have learned is that there are no coincidences. Nothing just "happens", but everything happens for a reason and all things are brought together for a purpose.

Since starting my studies with Illinois School of Ministry, every class has somehow related to what is happening in my personal life and in my church. So why should this one be any different?

January is a big month for us at GCFirst! We are spending this month in an Awakening! 21 days of prayer and fasting is where we believe the start to an awesomely blessed new year starts!

From our kids fasting video games, movies, television to our youth fasting Facebook, video games, television to our adults fasting their own games, food and so on, the people at GCFirst are making their relationship with God top priority.

So, what does this have to do with my ISOM class this month? Well, I will tell you.

My class this month is Relationships and Ethics in Ministry, by T. Ray Rachels. This study has been encouraging and eye opening to me as I read about ways to maintain my family relationship while being in ministry and even how lay people in the church view my position and how I should reach out to them.

But one section of this study is about personal priorities. We all know without proper priorities, we can fail in areas we need to be strong in. Prayer is one of them ( and here it comes all together!).

I am going to share some tips given by Mr. Rachels regarding a prayer life.
1. When you pray, write down your words.
       Being ready to pray at any time is important, and let's face it, if the need hits while driving down the highway, we're not going to be writing things down. However, during our personal study time, writing down our words keeps us focused and more precise in our petitions and gratitude. Prayer is a discipline, "and writing your inner thoughts gives a direction that otherwise is too easily confused."

2. Whey you pray, learn to listen.
      "Someone has said that when some people pray, they hammer so loudly that they never hear the architect who is discussing the plans." God doesn't need loud, booming voices that ramble on and on. Sometimes, our most productive times in communication with Him begin simply with, "Here I am. Speak to me."

3. Practice what you pray.
     "Be willing to back your prayer with action."According to Rachels, we are the limits God places on himself. We can't ask God to put love in the hearts of those around us and practice prejudice ourselves. We can't pray that our church impact our community and yet, not be involved in the process.

4. Do not pray lazy prayers.
    "The soft and sloppy prayer is an insult to God's integrity and to yours." Wow. "Prayers deserve intensity because you are dealing with power that can change the world." I'm pretty sure I need to add nothing to this. I'll allow you to think on this one on your own.

5. Believe God is attentive.
    Prayer is not a time for anxiety. When we bring ourselves- our needs, desires, hurts, fears- before God, we can leave them there. We don't have to worry! We can trust that God hears our prayers and then get on with the matter of living. "In simple terms, trust in the Lord and then act like you do."

6. Know the God to whom you pray.
    "A young cynical medical intern, known for his atheism, once mockingly asked the hospital chaplain to pray that he might receive money because he was very low on funds. The chaplain replied, "If you had just met the chief surgeon, would you have asked him for money?"
    "Well no," he replied, "I would wait until I knew him a little better."
    "Exaclty," answered the chaplain and walked away."
We will NEVER stop learning about God. We can't ever forget that. Read the Bible. See the gorgeous sunset and be grateful.

7. Be obediently patient.
   God's timing is so unlike ours. His view from eternity is much better than our view from the clock.
       "He asks for strength that he might achieve.
         He was made weak that he might obey.
         He asks for help that he might do greater things.
         He was given infirmity that he might do better things.
         He asks for riches that he might be happy.
         He was given poverty that he might be wise.
         He asked for power that he might have the praise of men.
         He was given weakness that he might feel the need of God.
         He asked for all things that he might enjoy life.
         He was given life that might enjoy all things."

8. God already knows your thoughts.
    Ever had someone, maybe your child, come to you and share something with you that, really, you already knew? Wasn't some major revelation but more of a cementing of your relationship? That's how it is with God. "Your prayer is not the unveiling of your secret. It is rather the establishment of your relationship. Praying is participating in a miracle."

So, as I hit the floor on my knees this new year, I pray that you, too will find time to spend in quality communication with God. Use these tips to keep your focus on Him and to make the best of each opportunity that you have to talk with your Heavenly Father.