Matthew 6: 16-18, NIV”

“Over the past four weeks we reviewed four types of prayer, in progression: talking to God, talking with God, listening to God, and being with God. In talking to God (Week 1) we see how the Lord’s Prayer (from Luke 11: 2-4) is the way Jesus taught us to pray. It’s a beautiful “pre-made” prayer with deep meaning. I think of it as the prayer that reflects the heart of the Shema (Deuteronomy 6: 4-9). In talking with God (Week 2) we see how prayer can be us communicating to God our desires, lament, petitioning for something or interceding for someone. In listening to God (Week 2) we pay attention to hearing and discerning God’s voice. It’s something Christ followers desire continually and being rooted in scripture we are able to better discern God’s voice. In being with God we delve into contemplative prayer, i.e., the wordless prayer, in which we sit and just be with God, soaking in Jesus’ glory, goodness, and love for us. We never “graduate” beyond each type of prayer but moving from pre-made prayers to contemplative prayer is a progression. Contemplative prayer is challenging to do until we are comfortable talking to God, talking with God, and listening to God. My prayer for each of you is that your prayer life would follow this progression and your communication and communion times with God continually grows more frequent, fruitful, and fulfilling. Three Highlights from Reflection Sunday:

1. Contemplative Prayer is freeing. Chris Rhoades opened our reflection time by sharing how freeing it was for him to be able to just “be” with God, without the pressure to always hear Him or receive something he asked for. 2 Corinthians 3:18.

2. Prayer is great, but we’re still trying to grow in the practices of Sabbath and Solitude. James shared how his group has been feeling pretty good about their prayer times but when it got to listening to God, i.e., hearing & discerning God’s voice, or being with God, i.e., Contemplative prayer, these practices are hard to do without making space to commune with God (Sabbath) or creating quiet space (Solitude). Wherever you’re at, perhaps struggling through these practices, don’t beat yourself up. No condemnation. Just keep at it. Persevere. What’s most important is who you are becoming. James 1: 2-4.

3. We strive to be intentional in passing-on the spiritual discipline of prayer to our children. As parents, we have the privilege of being God’s anointed stewards who are responsible for the spiritual growth of our children. I can’t think of a greater use of our time and energy than to teach our children to have a vibrant life in communication and communion with the Creator of the universe, Father God, our Lord Jesus who loves us deeply, and the Holy Spirit who works in us. What a blessing it is to be a parent! Proverbs 22:6.”