".....marriage involves mutual delight in each other and an ongoing persistent state of affection. Two people who have an ardent, passionate affection for each other take delight in being with each other and in each other’s presence.
We didn’t write those (love) letters because we had to. We wrote those letters because we wanted to. I wanted to express to her my affection for her and my desire to be close to her, and she wrote to me for the same reasons. Our letters weren’t newsletters, they were love letters. That’s what prayer is. It’s a communication of love from the bride to the Bridegroom."
This passage challenges me in my prayer life.
We must enjoy praying.
Praying must never be seen as a chore. It should be a delight.
Few helpful model prayers that help us focused when praying.
One of them is the Lord's Prayer. This is also mentioned in this book by Dr. R.C. Sproul.
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory. for ever and ever. Amen
hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory. for ever and ever. Amen
In this Lord's Prayer model, it begins by seeing who God is - our Father, yet a Holy Almighty God who is in control of all circumstances. Instead of beginning praying by focusing inwardly on ourselves, we begin by focusing on who our heavenly Father is. As Dr. R.C. Sproul rightly said:
"So we need to begin our prayers by bowing in reverence before our God, acknowledging Him as our loving and holy heavenly Father. And just as the Lord’s Prayer emphasizes the kingdom of God and His glory, so should our prayers. This means praying beyond our own circumstances and needs—seeing the bigger picture and praying for God’s work in the rest of the world."
The other model mentioned in the book is ACTS model.
Adoration
Confession
Thanksgiving
Supplication
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