Muscle Memory Prayer (1)
Lets pray. Hands together. Sound like a familiar instinct? If you were taught to pray as a kid, its probably muscle memory. You likely also felt that rush of rebellion as you sneakily took a peek around the assembly hall to see if anyone wasnt praying right. But youve probably realised that God doesnt care if your hands are together, at your sides, or raised in the air. Prayer isnt about hand placement.
Theres a cool thought by William Ward: We stamp and address an envelope and send it on its way with complete confidence that it will reach its destination. Yet we wonder and even doubt if our prayers will be heard by an everpresent, everloving God. When Peter told a man who couldnt walk to get up and go, it didnt happen because he thought, halfheartedly, Oh well, might as well give it a go. It happened because he knew that God has real power, and would answer his prayer. God rewarded Peters sincere faith.
We can get caught up in the words of a prayer or the length of it. It can be hard to remember that prayer is just a way of telling God that were ready and believing. Peter simply said, In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk (Acts 3:6 ESV), and it happened.
So what now? God knows already what we want to say. So pray how youre comfortable, in faith, and keep an eye out for answers.
Soulfood : 2 Sam 12:1 - 14:20, Matt 26:47-56, Ps 118:19-29, Prov 18:10-12