In preparation for this past Tuesday, I took some time to think about what would benefit our group.  Our church, and by extension, our Point Groups strive to be fun, authentic and relational.  I really believe we cover all three of those but I wanted to be sure I put equal emphasis on each.  Que the makeshift game night!!

In addition to providing time for us to laugh, I wanted to illustrate a point.  There are times in every relationship when we have to step back and evaluate the current state of things to see where we might need to focus more time and energy.  The same is true in our relationship with God.

For me, I realized my prayer life could use some attention.

We looked at the Lord’s Prayer from the Book of Luke.  My overall mission was to remind myself (and anyone else who may have needed it) that prayer should be God-centered, not me-centered or circumstance-centered.  When I am self-focused or circumstance-focused in my prayers, I am praying for MY will to be done.  Not Gods. 

Prayer should also be informed by scripture and rooted in faith.  Through prayer, we call upon the Lord to show Himself as mighty and sovereign in our lives and circumstances so that His name will be exalted and His will is done here on Earth, as it is in Heaven.

We are encouraged to pray for whatever concerns us.  We can ask God for anything (!!) as long as we follow up our request by asking God to align our wants with His and to change our hearts so we desire the things and outcomes He desires. 

Before Next Tuesday

Find some time to meet with the Lord.  Sit still and empty, completely hollowed out, meditating on the words and character of God.

Going forward through this summer, be sure you take periodic retreats and saturate yourself with the Bible until you feel that you are lifted into the presence of the Lord in a remarkable way so that your prayers are uncluttered by worldly thinking.