St Mary's Church Almondsbury
To know God, build up each other as Christians, and proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord to our neighbours
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From the Going for Growth sermon series: Praying Regularly Prayer – Waiting Expectantly ‘Wait for the Lord: be strong and he shall comfort your heart; wait patiently for the Lord’ (Psalm 27:14) Prayer is to wait: to be in the presence of a superior, acknowledging dependence on him. An example of waiting is Abraham’s prayer in Genesis 18:22-33. God says he will destroy Sodom. Abraham asks him to spare the city if there are 50, then 45, 40, 30, 20, 10 righteous people there. So by waiting I mean prayer is built on God’s character – his integrity (not our need). Expect God to honour his good name. ‘Shall not the judge of all the earth do what is just?’ (Genesis 18:25) Abraham was not haggling with God, but exploring the nature of his justice and compassion. When we appeal to God’s grace and compassion, the fearsome God soon disappears. Notice that God was quick to concede each point. ‘Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance; it is laying hold of his willingness’ (Archbishop Trench). Prayer is to be strong: to act with resolution, be loyal, stand firm, be persistent. God rewards those who earnestly seek him (Hebrews 11:6). The reward is that we have comfort (strengthen or power) in the heart (the centre of human psychical and spiritual life) because we know God better.	The Christian life is the double agency of God and us as Kingdom partners. ‘It is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. (Philippians 2:13) The Kingdom is built by God, but he does very little on earth without the likes of you and me. Paul plants, Apollos waters, God makes it grow. (1 Corinthians 3:7) Christians are uncomfortable in their hearts when they are not doing God’s will. So prayer is waiting on God: · Spending time in his presence · Getting to know him better · Learning his will and our part in it · Having our hearts comforted as we do it With private prayer, just as in a human relationship, there are no fixed patterns. Three Practical Hints · Pray as you can, not as you cannot · Use set prayers, particularly if you get stuck · Include stillness and listening - it is a conversation with God (not a monologue)
Contact the Church Office Rev. Philip W. Rowe, Vicar of Almondsbury and Olveston with Aust The Vicarage, 3 Sundays Hill, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4DS 01454 613223			Email the Website Administrator