Thoughts from Mark "Hat" Rackley

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

• 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“Christianity lives and dies with prayer, for prayer is the heart of the Christian life. Luther said that as a shoe­ maker makes shoes and a tailor makes clothes, a Christian must pray. Anyone who does not pray is not a Christian. The reason so few people know this today is simply that they do not understand what it means to pray. Praying is not just bidding, nor is it just giving thanks. Praying means, first of all, being so still that we perceive God’s word to us; but then it also means giving an answer to this word, whether in words or in deeds…. Praying means coming close to God and wanting to remain close, because he has come close to us. We can pray only because Christ is there; in him our prayer has its foundation, for through him we have God as our Father…. Christ, however, is also the strength of our prayer, and only through this strength can we pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:16-18). Yet precisely because Christ is our strength, which leads us to the Father, prayer makes us happy and strong. Therefore those who pray can no longer be fearful and no longer be sad. In prayer Christ is near us – God is near us.  If you go to God, God will come to you.”

• Dietrich Bonhoeffer, I Want to Live These Days with You (devotion for February 19, devotions compiled from his writings)

Dietrich Bonhoeffer packs a lot into these few words.  Christianity lives and dies with prayer.  Most churches have prayer warriors, but do most of the members of the church pray each day (not considering a blessing at mealtime, but that is even going by the wayside as families rarely eat as a family at the kitchen or dining room table)?

Then he may have quoted Martin Luther when he said that someone who does not pray is not a Christian.

Prayer makes us happy and strong, according to the quote.  So, why do we not pray more?

God is near, but why do we avoid getting near to Him?

I am just asking the questions here.  While you agree, disagree, or want more information, I will be asking myself these questions.  And one more…

Now that I know that I can do better, Lord, where can I start to get closer to You?  For one, I can eliminate even more distractions, and focus more on the Lord.  And the best way is by talking to Him.

Soli Deo Gloria.  Only to God be the Glory.