Pray or Prey?

A week ago I heard Darrin Patrick say, "I was more spiritual before I started a church."  At first I thought it was a really odd thing to say and then as I mulled it over I found profound truth in the statement.  I remember a few years ago, when the dream was just a dream.  I prayed about everything.  I prayed often.  I not only had time to invest in my relationship with Jesus, I made time for him.  As the dream became a reality, pressure builds up, time moves more quickly and days get full.  The truth is we do have an enemy and he is truly prowling looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8), and we all have seen too many leaders get eaten alive.  Two things happened that I was not totally aware of.

First, I started to trust the opinions of people more than Jesus opinion.  Validation, encouragement and direction were sought in people.  I will say that Jesus has brought amazing people into my life.  I have a wife who is more than I ever dreamed a wife could be and a daughter who is so wonderful. I could make you sick just by talking about the two of them.  Friends who are close, believe in me, who are smart and encourage me greatly.  A group of leaders at LATR that far exceed my leadership capability.  My life is full of GREAT PEOPLE!

Second, I started praying more out of reaction than relationship.

This is not going to work anymore.  There is so much more available to me and the people I lead.  So I have made some changes. 

Here are some thoughts I shared with Life at the Ridge this past Sunday.  These are a few of the steps that I have already started taking personally and I would encourage you to pick some and take a step forward with Jesus today. 

 

First Step -  I am making prayer my first step rather than my last resort.  Too often I trust myself or my friends first and then if all else fails I turn to Jesus.  So this week I am talking to him first.

Honesty - I am going to pray more honestly.  I am going to confront areas of sin and pride and be open with Jesus about my need for his work in my heart.  I am also going to open up and share my frustrations and wrestle with God.

Creativity – I am going to pray more creatively this week.  Walking, writing, singing, out loud, silent, while I am cycling, while I run through the Ridge and anything else I can try.

Best Time – I am a morning person.  I love getting up and getting rolling.  I am going to set aside specific times during my best brain time to talk with Jesus.  If you are a night owl, then give him your best brain time.  You will find it so much more satisfying to have a conversation with Jesus through prayer and scripture rather than fighting your natural clock to sleep. 

Everything – I am committing to pray about everything.  Even if I feel like it is stupid, I am going to walk through each day talking with Jesus.  I don’t pray about enough so I am going to shoot overboard and see how it goes.  

Continually – I desire conversations with Jesus to be a way of life not just a chunk of time.  I am going to allow and create more random moments of reflection and prayer. 

 

I hope you are encouraged and that you find such satisfaction in knowing Jesus and following him.