The Prayer Bridge
Do you pray? If you do, how often?
Jesus said, “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. “Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” - Matthew 6:7–15
According to several surveys, fewer than half of all Americans pray daily.
It probably comes as no surprise that the older we get the more likely we are to pray, and to do it regularly.
Prayer comes in many forms, from focusing one's thoughts toward God, to reciting a memorized prayer, like The Lord's Prayer, so named because it was taught by Our Lord, Jesus.
Times of crisis and tragedy see an increase in prayer, and even some atheists and agnostics turn to prayer in those times.
Prayer is powerful. Jesus told his followers to ask the Father for something in His name and it will be given them, so why wouldn't we pray?
I have found that praying with someone, or asking someone to pray for you or for someone you love is even more powerful than praying alone.
Prayers that flow to God can do amazing things. Life is sustained, healing begins, strength grows, and people come together.
For us Christians who believe The Holy Spirit swells within us, through our baptism, prayer can be a bridge.
The way I look at it, the Holy Spirit, who is connected to all of us, hears and transmits our prayers to and through all who are connected, and the power of prayer is increased.
If, as some believe, we all have the power within us to heal, then how much stronger can that healing power be if we all pull together and focus our healing on one we care about who needs help?
I truly believe Jesus came among us, not for our individual salvation, but for our collective salvation. He wants all of us to save each other.
What better way to start than to offer prayers together?
More to come...