A Prayer Life by Tana LeMay

Last summer, Susan wrote about a book she had read, Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. I recently finished the book and like Susan, I was deeply touched. The story line is about a friendship that develops between a wealthy white man and a homeless black man. Ron and Denver weren’t interested in a friendship, but it couldn’t be stopped due to the prayers of Ron’s wife and God’s intervention.

The prayer life of Debbie was what spoke to me the most. Debbie’s first reaction to every circumstance was prayer. Do you know any prayer warriors? I do and I’ve always been in awe of that aspect of their spiritual life. They always pray first when a need or praise arises. How do they do that? Is it a gift? A discipline? I usually remember to pray – later. It’s typically not my first response to a situation or need.

First Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to pray continually. This verse has been on my mind lately. I’ve struggled with this directive. Life is busy. How can we possibly spend it in continuous prayer? Just finding time for daily prayer has been a challenge. As I’ve studied this verse, I’ve come to the conclusion that it is speaking of a life style. By being in daily communion with Jesus, not only during regular prayer times, but throughout each and every day, we develop a habit of continuous communication with him. After all, isn’t that what prayer is – a conversation with Jesus? If my thoughts are centered around Him, my every action or reaction would habitually include Him.

Does this seem too lofty of a goal? By my own power, it definitely is. I’d fail before I even began. But through the strength of Jesus and the power of His word, it is attainable. Otherwise, the command wouldn’t be there. Is it attainable in one day? No. But I believe it is in one life time. It begins each morning as I set my focus and thoughts on Him.

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

My Spiritual Life? by Theresa Zuber

Romans 12: 1-2 (NIV) 1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

I recently read that nowhere in the Bible does it mention the word “spiritual life.” How interesting. I even did a search to make sure that was true and sure enough… it’s not in there! Why? We often are concerned about our spiritual life, aren’t we? The problem is God makes no distinction between our everyday life and our spiritual life. God expects that our lives ARE spiritual. . We want to compartmentalize our relationship with God, our jobs, our hobbies, our dreams – but all of it is to be offered to God as our spiritual act of worship. He doesn’t just want part of our lives – he wants all of us, everyday in everything.

The Message says it this way: Romans 12:1-2 (The Message) 1-2 So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

God, help me to weave together the various parts of my life so that they reflect you in all aspects. Decrease my desire for those things that are apart from you and increase my desire for those things you have prepared for me to do. I trust that you have my best in mind. Guide me.