Category: Prayer Tips

It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.” Luke 11:1

Prayer is a personal experience and interaction with God and such it is hard to suggest practices that would enhance our encounters with Him. Personal and spiritual growth often occurs when we modify our practices and like Jesus’ disciples there is no shame in asking to be taught how to pray. Be certain that are no tricks or formulae to “better” prayer however people have gone before us who offer spiritual practices that both enhanced and affected their lives. We will share those tips and offer them for your consideration.

Self-examination 

Posted on By Prayer Coordinator

The Methodist founder and some of his peers used to meet often and conduct a self-examination of their walk with Christ. The list below contains some of the questions they asked themselves. They did not do this as a legalistic ritual but to align themselves with the gospel and not the world. These questions could be seen as Holy Spirit prompts which we may be ignoring or avoiding. Take a few minutes to read and answer these questions privately and listen to what God has to say about your responses. 

1.  Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I am? In other words, am I a hypocrite?

2.  Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate?

3.  Do I confidentially pass on to another what was told to me in confidence?

4.  Can I be trusted?

5.  Am I a slave to dress, friends, work or habits?

6.  Am I self-conscious, self-pitying or self-justifying?

7.  Did the Bible live in me today?

8.  Do I give it time to speak to me every day?

9.  Am I enjoying prayer?

10.  When did I last speak to someone else about my faith?

11.  Do I pray about the money I spend?

12.  Do I go to bed on time and get up on time?

13.  Do I disobey God in anything?

14.  Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy?

15.  Am I defeated in any part of my life?

16.  Am I jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy or distrustful?

17.  How do I spend my spare time?

18.  Am I proud?

19.  Do I thank God that I am not like other people?

20.  Is there anyone whom I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold resentment toward or disregard?

21.  Do I grumble or complain constantly?

22.  Is Christ real to me?

Pray and Pray some more!

Posted on By Prayer Coordinator

Below is an article that is worth re-reading.  
We first published it in April of this year. Please take time to read through and ponder on the Word of God.

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.”
Romans 12:11-12 (NIV)

Prayer is the way to put a voice in our hearts and words to meet our needs. So, why do we often communicate with God about our heart’s desire differently from how we speak with the world? God created us with the unique ability to touch, smell, see, hear and taste the world around us while engaging emotions such as happiness, fear, and anger. We use these blessings daily as we interact with the planet, yet often, when we speak with God, we muffle or hide them, put on a prayer visage, use a prayer voice and expect God to speak truth into our lives while approaching Him in disguise. Because some pray differently from how they say, they will toil in their attempts to talk to God with the characteristics, personality and baggage that defines them. 

We enter into prayer knowing that we are privileged to be granted an audience with the King of the universe. We should not confuse that privilege as a right and speak to our Father as if He needs to react to our problems because we boldly asked Him. We must recognize who is the recipient of our prayer and fear His power while at the same time remembering He wants to tell us His will so that we can live a life pleasing to Him. He wants us to tell Him what is on our hearts so He can share what is on His.   

Many struggle with prayer. We want to differentiate between coincidence and divine intervention. But, if we are not in the habit of talking to God, we certainly will not be able to recognize His response. Some treat prayer as one way of communication, where they do all the talking and leave no place for listening. We have concerns that break our hearts and want to tell God as best as we can. However, sometimes we feel abandoned when we can’t sense an answer. Prayer requires that we practice speaking and listening, but above all, it requires faith in the truth God answers prayers.  

Prayer requires remaining faithful to the practice. When we commit ourselves to becoming followers of Christ, we are told we will be transformed into a new creature who can be holy and pleasing to God. For some, this change can be instantaneous, while others are changed over time. Only God knows why it happens either way. Prayer has a similar behaviour in that answers can be instantaneous and obvious at times or are found by searching scripture, seeking counsel, or continually praying and listening. Regardless of the response time, we must be faithful to the idea that God wants us to speak with Him. He chooses to answer us, and we must seek to recognize His reponse so we can rightfully give our Lord His honour and praise. 

Types of Prayer in Scripture

Posted on By Prayer Coordinator

(based on various resources)

There is no one right way to pray. Throughout the Bible, we see several different types of prayers used including adoration, lament, thanksgiving, petition, deliverance, contrition, and guidance. A stronger prayer life incorporates various prayer types, which will help you through the many different situations you will face in your life. 

Over the next few weeks, we will identify the seven different types of prayers for you to take your prayer life to the next level.

WEEK 1 – Adoration

WEEK 2 – Thanks Giving

WEEK 3 – Repentance & Contrition

WEEK 4 – Lament

Week 5 – Guidance

Week 6 – Deliver us Oh Lord.

As One with Authority.   

Posted on By Prayer Coordinator

Surrounding most military facilities is fencing with signage stating, “No trespassing by order of the MND.” Most who would want to enter the property would not know the meaning of MND nor the name of the current Ministers of National Defence. Yet, they accept the warning not to trespass as authorized by someone in authority.

When we read about Jesus in the Gospels, do we take His ministry as done by someone of authority? When we end our prayers “in Jesus’ name”, do we do so because we acknowledge Jesus as someone of authority? Throughout his ministry, Jesus did not just affirm and endorse the words of Scripture; he talked and acted like he had authored the Scriptures. He lived with the authority of the One who wrote the book. 

Below are a few verses referring to his authority, which may enhance your understanding and acceptance of His power. 

1. JESUS HAD THE AUTHORITY TO LAY DOWN HIS LIFE

“The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”   John 10:17–18.

2. JESUS HAD THE AUTHORITY TO FORGIVE SINS

 “But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So, he said to the paralyzed man, “Get up, take your mat and go home.”  Then the man got up and went home. When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to man.   Matt. 9:6–8

3. JESUS HAD AUTHORITY OVER DEMONS

The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” Mark 1:27

4. JESUS HAD AUTHORITY OVER SICKNESS  

Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.   (Mat 10:1)

5. JESUS HAD AUTHORITY TO JUDGE

And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.   John 5:27

6. JESUS HAD AUTHORITY OVER ALL MEN

 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him.   John 17:2

7. JESUS HAD AUTHORITY IN HEAVEN AND EARTH

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”   Matt. 28:18.

Self-Examination

Posted on By Prayer Coordinator

Reverend John Wesley and a some of his close friends started a group nicknamed the “Holy Club”. They met daily and discussed these 20 questions with an aim to be supportive of each other in their walk as Christ followers.
How would you respond to these questions? 

1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I really am? In other words, am I a hypocrite?

2. Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate?

3. Do I confidentially pass on to another what was told to me in confidence?

4. Can I be trusted?

5. Am I a slave to dress, friends, work, or habits?

6. Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?

7. Did the Bible live in me today?

8. Do I give it time to speak to me every day?

9. Am I enjoying prayer?

10. When did I last speak to someone else about my faith?

11. Do I pray about the money I spend?

12. Do I disobey God in anything?

13. Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy?

14. Am I defeated in any part of my life?

15. Am I jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy or distrustful?

16. How do I spend my spare time?

17. Am I proud?

18. Is there anyone whom I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold resentment toward or disregard?

19. Do I grumble or complain constantly?

20. Is Christ real to me?
 

“Deliver us…” – Prayer series VI

Posted on By MCF Office Manager

“And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.”
Matthew 6: 13

During the week leading up to Jesus’ arrest, Jesus warns Peter, saying, “Satan wants to sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith might not fail” (Lk 22:31-32). Jesus does not promise Peter that there will be no trials in life. Peter pledges loyalty even unto death but falls asleep in the garden. Jesus then awakens Peter and tells him to watch and pray lest he enter into temptation, but Peter does not pray and, soon after that, fails in his time of trial by denying Jesus three times. 

When we pray, we are protected by Jesus from Satan and his attacks. Satan, the accuser, is not prevented from his work as “the accuser.” Still, the disciples are instructed in the Lord’s Prayer not only to pray in general but for deliverance from the times of trial that evil brings. 

Whatever one’s views of the nature of Satan, it can be said that the way evil functions in society is most appropriately described using personal language. A demonic energy breaks out in people, societies and nations that act with the force of a guiding evil mind. “Lead us not into temptation” is better translated as, “Do not bring us to the time of trial.” Also, “do not bring us” can be understood to mean “Do not permit us to go.” 

The petition for protection from evil, or the evil one, is a cry from the heart in every age. In 1 Peter 5:8, we find Peter’s words, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 

Seeking God’s protection and guidance must be in our minds and our prayers daily as we venture into the lions’ den..

Understand the Lord’s prayer – tip 1

Posted on By Prayer Coordinator

The title “God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob” (often used in Jewish prayers) was set aside by Jesus with the simple phrase Our Father (Abba). The new phrase placed all believers on the same level regardless of their racial ancestry or community history. 

Jesus could have chosen many words to address God; He selected the Aramaic word abba, which means “Father” and “Our Father.” This title affirmed both a personal relationship and the respect that would be offered to a superior. Words offered to God are precious, must be sincere and can be few. Jesus taught his disciples to pray to God, who is near and yet far away. He is “our Father” and, at the same time, is “in the heavens.” 

The title abba is a precious word that affirms a special relationship between the worshiper and God. We have heard many people say they have struggled to call God father because their human father was not loving and kind and may have been perceived as absent and cruel. However, we must remember human fathers and mothers are never adequate to give the term abba its appropriate meaning. Jesus used the parable of the prodigal son to identify abba God. (Consider reading this story founds in Luke 15:11-31 looking for attributes of God). No other definition is legitimate. Using our human father as a metaphor for God carries the risk of idolatry. That idolatry can be avoided when we allow Jesus to define abba.

God is “Our Father.” The intimate term finds its most profound meaning when used in the communal setting. God is “my Father” because he is “Our Father.”

Our Father

Posted on By Prayer Coordinator

“In this manner therefore pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name”  Matthew 6:9
He said to them: “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.” Luke 11:2a.
_________________________________________________________________________________

Many who have attended church sometime in their life have most likely heard the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13 & Luke 11:1-4). As children, we often repeated it in public school (when we did those things), in Sunday School, or as adults while in worship. We may have been taught to say it as the catchall prayer when we did not know what to say. However, how many of us have reflected deeply on what Jesus taught? 

We know that words, statements, stories, etc., found in the Bible are not placed there accidentally but have a meaning, so what was the significance of these words? I do not believe that when Jesus said, “In this manner, therefore pray “, or “When you pray, say,” that He suggested this was the only prayer we would say. He warns us in Matthew 6:5 about the hypocrisy and vanity some display when they pray to be seen or repeat phases, hoping God will hear. His guidance reminds us to acknowledge the omnipotence and grace of God, to take the focus off ourselves and turn it to God. 

The apostles would have learned and recited the Hebrew prayers in synagogues. So why did they need to be taught? They noticed Jesus prayed differently. He prayed short and long prayers in the language of the times at different hours and locations. He used the expression “our Father” which may have been surprising to them. It seems simple for Christians to refer to God as “our Father”, and we have been taught that way since we accepted Christ. We don’t give God’s title a second thought but to His first disciples, it may have seemed out of place. However, when Jesus was asked by His disciples to teach them to pray, he instituted a new way of praying. 

Two major Abrahamic religions, Judaism, and Islam, use a sacred language in their prayers. Jews pray in Hebrew while Muslims pray in an ancient Arabic tongue. Jesus lived in a world where the public reading of the Bible was only in Hebrew, and prayers had to be offered in that language. However, when He invited the disciples to call God Abba (our father/my father), He took the giant step of endorsing Aramaic as an acceptable language for prayer and worship. He opened the door for the New Testament to be written in Greek (not Hebrew) and then translated into other languages. Ancient languages or customs do not bind Christians as Jesus implies, we are free to worship as we are.  

There is a deeper meaning, not a hidden one, in the Lord’s prayer. Over the next few weeks, you are invited to join us as we dissect the Lord’s Prayer and share tips that may change how you understand this prayer and how you pray in general.  

Stand-To!

Posted on By MCF President

Military Basic Training was a culture shock. Before, I was a student at university working part-time as a janitor in a seniors’ residence in Wolfville, NS. After two years, I had run out of funds and decided to apply to the military; after all, my dad was a former military pilot, and my brother was a serving aeronautical engineer.
 
Going on exercise was part of Basic Training, as it is part of the military experience in general. Part of the military exercise was a routine called “Stand-to.” The practice of “Stand-to” was a hold-over from WWI when at just before dawn and shortly after dusk, soldiers would stand by their trench with their weapons loaded and ready to fire in the event of an enemy attack, which routinely came at just before dawn or just after dusk. It was part of being ready.

Several months ago, I was on a course led by Dr. Steve Brown, which was entitled “Jesus Centred.” The course was named after the book that Dr. Brown wrote. To me, the book’s gist was about being ready to share and live the gospel in a non-permissive environment. A vital element of the course was focused on Luke 10:2
 
Dr. Brown emphasized that the number of “harvesters” was diminishing in Canada. I note that local churches and mission agencies are echoing the same message… Gospel messengers are fewer and fewer, and this is when the spread of secularism is increasing. Generally, the Canadian population, including the military community, has little to no information about who Jesus is or the opportunity for eternal life that is available only through Him. 
 
I shared with Dr. Brown the ministry of the MCF and our mission to bring the gospel to the military community. He was intrigued and asked how it was going. “Not very well,” I responded. Dr. Brown reminded me of Luke 10:2 when Jesus was sending out missionaries and explaining to them the dilemma that many were ready to hear the gospel, but there were too few messengers. Jesus’ solution was to pray for an increase in labourers. Dr. Brown told me he had set the alarm on his phone for 10:02 am every day when he prayed for labourers. This resonated with me, so I set the alarm on my phone for 10:02 am daily. I pray for three things:

  1. Lord, please spread Your gospel throughout the military community.
  2. Lord, please use the MCF as an instrument of your messaging.
  3. Lord, please use me as one of your harvesters.

This prayer takes me about one minute. 
 
Can you imagine if you were to join me at the same time and pray the same thing every day? Can you imagine if five, or 10 or 50 or 100 of us pray the same thing every day at the same time? I think that God would be moved to answer our requests.
 
Would you join me at 10:02 am every day to “Stand-to” and pray for these three requests? 
 
Are you with me?
 
Gerry Potter
Colonel (Ret’d)
President

Pray without ceasing Pt 3

Posted on By Prayer Coordinator

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-17)

Pray according to God’s will.
To pray without ceasing means that prayer is not primarily about us; it’s about God. While God wants us to come to him with our concerns, we must understand as fully as possible what his concerns are.

When a man asked Jesus what the greatest commandment is, he answered by quoting from Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind…You shall love your neighbour as yourself” (Matthew 22:36, 39). Jesus died so we would have the freedom and capacity to love God with all we are. And to love each other.

First, seek to love God with everything you are through and in prayer. Then, seek to love your neighbour through prayer. In this way you seek God’s will in every aspect of your prayers, as you include the concerns, requests, and needs for the people God has put around you.
Pray for:

  1. Your literal neighbour,
  2. Those in your church,
  3. The missionaries that you know,
  4. Family, 
  5. Strangers you’ve interacted with recently; and
  6. Your pastors and your politicians.

Pray without ceasing for all of them as you do for yourself—with God’s will paramount in your prayers for them.

Through your times of active prayer, the Spirit will begin to cultivate an attitude of unceasing prayer, and this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.