What comes to mind when prayer comes up? Solemn silence, peaceful release, awkward language, genuine connection? If we are honest, prayer can be really hard sometimes. Yet, we are invited to engage in prayer without ceasing. However, I find that prayer seems to be the last resort, rather than something we do all the time. Our ignorance of prayer would seem to say that we believe we always know what to do, we believe ourselves self-sufficient. Fully capable. Without real need. In this way we have fallen prey to the cultural paradigm of self-actualization despite real life realities that can leave us feeling completely out of control. 

Prayer is a practice that many followers of Jesus can really struggle with, and here in Matthew Jesus is well aware of both its necessity and struggle. In this series we are journeying through what Darrell Johnson writes are “57 Words that Change the World” - the Lord’s Prayer. We will be considering this practice of talking and being with God, and see how it is something concrete and relevant to each of us. It is a practice meant to have a profound effect on our daily experience of life. 

Never prayed, haven’t prayed for a while, or perhaps your prayer life has gone stale? Our hope is that you might be re-energized in this powerful practical practice of prayer. 

Lord, teach us to pray.