“When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”  Matthew 6:7-8

I was a mission developer in previous call responsible for starting a brand new congregation in growing area outside of Houston, TX.   I intended on getting to know the community as well as I can and that meant going to all the civic and community events.  

One day, I attended the grand opening of an office for our congressman, Al Green.  The event started early that evening and I had another obligation all day.  I barely had time to get out of that commitment and made it to the grand opening.  I did not have time to change and dress appropriately.  I was in shorts and a t-shirt while everyone at the event was dressed in their suits and business attire. 

Congressman Al Green started the Grand Opening event by asking if there was a pastor in the crowd to pray for the event and the new offices.  I stood in the back and new I did not look proper so I did not volunteer myself.  However, the event coordinator knew who I was from other events and pointed me out.  Congressman Al Green insisted that I prayed for the event and the new offices despite how I looked.  After the event, I told him that he could have simply prayed but he told me that I was trained and I knew how to pray.

I learned two lessons that day, it is better to be late and look appropriately and people seems to have low self esteem when it comes to offering spoken prayers.

Even though I am a pastor, I never got any training in prayer.  There were no Prayer 101 in seminary.  I simply pray the same way I learned by watching, listening and observing what others have done and by studying great prayers of famous Christians through the ages.  I do not believe I am a great prayer by any means but I know it is not great words and poetic tones that Christ likes but heartfelt ones.

Be bold in your prayer life and when you have a chance to offer a prayer, use the opportunity to make known the presence of Christ among those who are gathered and simply allow the words to flow from you.  Simply be a vessel of Christ and let the inspiration of your faith in Christ guide you and be truthful I your prayers and heartfelt.  Be bold and have faith.

Prayer: “Lord, guide me and use me to bring forth your kingdom in words and deeds.”