Today is an exciting day for most of us in America -- we have to deal
with the infernal revenue service -- our income tax is due. I know that
just thrills you out of your socks. Judging by my lack of email, you've
all been working hard on finding that last deduction.
As a novice Christian was trying to pray in a group meeting, he
stumbled and prayed somewhat haltingly. Afterwards, someone told
him that he could pray better if he just took his time. His response -- "I
wasn't talking to you."
I love pastors. They have to be under the microscope all the time and
still come up smiling. There is one slight problem, however, that seems
fairly prevalent, especially in some denominations. When they come to
the end of the sermon and pray, that prayer is often a continuation of the
sermon to the congregation rather than a prayer directed to God. One
well known TV preacher does it all the time. If it isn't directed
specifically to God, it isn't prayer.
I only point that out because we are prone to do similar things in group
prayer. We subconsciously form our prayer for the others in the room
instead of directing it to God. Sound familiar? The next time you are
involved in group prayer, keep that in mind as you pray.
The Psalmist said in 66:20 (nlt), "Praise God, who did not ignore my
prayer and did not withdraw His unfailing love from me." I hope most
of us can say that from our own experiences. Remember, if it isn't
directed to God, it isn't prayer.
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