Don't Pray like Pagan

“And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.” (Matthew 6:7)

Jesus was saying here that we must not regard prayer as some kind of magical incantation, for that is how pagans pray. They recite certain phrases over and over again, with no understanding of what the words mean. In these contexts, prayers are used as mantras, with the hope that they will change the environment or the circumstances in which a person lives. New Age thinking is filled with this type of thing. Jesus did not commend such exercises as godly forms of prayer; rather, He linked the use of vain repetitions to paganism.

Christians can easily fall into a pattern of praying in a repetitious fashion, without engaging their minds. It bothers me sometimes when Christians gather for a meal and the host will say to someone there, “John, will you please say the grace for us?” The host doesn’t ask for someone to lead in prayer but to say the grace. That kind of language suggests a mere recitation, not a prayer that comes from the heart.

Jesus did not give the Lord’s Prayer with the intention that it would be repeated mindlessly

We can even treat the Lord’s Prayer this way. The Lord’s Prayer is an integral part of the worship of multitudes of Christians. Worship services often include the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer. The use of the Lord’s Prayer has a rich history in the church, and whenever we pray it or hear it, we are reminded of those priorities that Jesus sets before us as objects for prayer. Don’t get me wrong—I’m not opposed to the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer. However, there is a danger that this use of the prayer may be nothing more than a recitation. The praying of the Lord’s Prayer can become as mindless and as vain a repetition as the magical incantations and mantras that pagans use.

Jesus did not give the Lord’s Prayer with the intention that it would be repeated mindlessly. When we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we need to pray it thoughtfully, giving attention in our minds to its content. It is not a mantra to be repeated without the engagement of the mind or heart. It is an example of godly prayer.

Of course, repetition has great value. I’ve often said that one of my favorite liturgies in the life of the church is the traditional marriage ceremony. You’ve heard it many times: “Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here today in the presence of God and of these witnesses to unite this man and this woman in the holy bonds of marriage, which was instituted by God,” and so it goes. It’s a very brief service. It contains pledges, vows, charges, and prayers. For me, the more often I lead this liturgy or hear it, the more blessed I am by the content of it. That is, the more familiar I become with the language, the more I think about it and meditate on it, and I see afresh how rich it is in explaining to us the sanctity of marriage. So it is with the Lord’s Prayer. Hearing it over and over again may lead us to mindless repetition, but it also may burn these words, and the underlying principles, into our minds. Repetition in and of itself is not a bad thing. In fact, it’s one of the most important ingredients of learning, because it’s the rare person who masters a concept or a principle by hearing it once.

This excerpt is taken from R.C. Sproul’s The Prayer of the Lord. Download the digital edition free through February 28, 2014.

When God Paints

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Top 10 predictions for 2014

 

TOP TEN PREDICTIONS FOR 2014   With all the problems the World is facing, it can be unsettling to the mind. Today, I share with you ten predictions that are true!   1. The Bible will still have all the answers.   2. Prayer will still be the most powerful thing on Earth..   3. The Holy Spirit will still move..   4. God will still honor the praises of His people.   5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.   6. There will still be singing of praise to God.   7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.   8. There will still be room at the Cross.   9. Jesus will still love you.   10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.   Isn't it great To Remember Who Is Really In Control, and that; "the Word of the Lord endures forever." ( 1 Peter 1:25 )   I hope you found this encouraging and will send it to friends!!!! Sometimes we need the reminder of just WHO is really in control.

The Bible, from cover to cover, answers the question, “Who is this Jesus?”

In the Old Testament:

- In Genesis, He is the Creator God.
- In Exodus, He is the Redeemer.
- In Leviticus, He is your sanctification.
- In Numbers, He is your guide.
- In Deuteronomy, He is your teacher.
- In Joshua, He is the mighty conqueror.
- In Judges, He gives victory over enemies.
- In Ruth, He is your kinsman, your lover, your redeemer.
- In I Samuel, He is the root of Jesse.
- In 2 Samuel, He is the Son of David.
- In 1 Kings and 2 Kings, He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
- In 1st and 2nd Chronicles, He is your intercessor and High Priest.
- In Ezra, He is your temple, your house of worship.
- In Nehemiah, He is your mighty wall, protecting you from your enemies.
- In Esther, He stands in the gap to deliver you from your enemies.
- In Job, He is the arbitrator who not only understands your struggles, but has the power to do something about them.
- In Psalms, He is your song–and your reason to sing.
- In Proverbs, He is your wisdom, helping you make sense of life and live it successfully.
- In Ecclesiastes, He is your purpose, delivering you from vanity..
- In the Song of Solomon, He is your lover, your Rose of Sharon.
- In Isaiah, He is the mighty counselor, the prince of peace, the everlasting father, and more. He’s everything you need.
- In Jeremiah, He is your balm of Gilead, the soothing salve for your sin-sick soul.
- In Lamentations, He is the ever-faithful one upon whom you can depend.
- In Ezekiel, He is your wheel in the middle of a wheel–the one who assures that dry, dead bones will come alive again.
- In Daniel, He is the ancient of days, the ever- lasting God who never runs out of time.
- In Hosea, He is your faithful lover, always beckoning you to come back–even when you have abandoned Him.
- In Joel, He is your refuge, keeping you safe in times of trouble.
- In Amos, He is the husbandman, the one you can depend on to stay by your side.
- In Obadiah, He is Lord of the Kingdom.
- In Jonah, He is your salvation, bringing you back within His will.
- In Micah, He is judge of the nation.
- In Nahum, He is the jealous God.
- In Habakkuk, He is the Holy One.
- In Zephaniah, He is the witness.
- In Haggai, He overthrows the enemies.
- In Zechariah, He is Lord of Hosts.
- In Malachi, He is the messenger of the covenant.

In the New Testament:

- In Matthew, He is king of the Jews.
- In Mark, He is the servant.
- In Luke, He is the Son of Man, feeling what you feel.
- In John, He is the Son of God.
- In Acts, He is Savior of the world.
- In Romans, He is the righteousness of God.
- In I Corinthians, He is the rock that followed Israel.
- In II Corinthians, He the triumphant one, giving victory.
- In Galatians, He is your liberty; He sets you free.
- In Ephesians, He is head of the Church.
- In Philippians, He is your joy.
- In Colossians, He is your completeness.
- In I Thessalonians, He is your hope.
- In II Thessalonians, He is your glory.
- In I Timothy, He is your faith.
- In II Timothy, He is your stability.
- In Titus He is your reason for serving.
- In Philemon, He is your benefactor.
- In Hebrews, He is your perfection.
- In James, He is the power behind your faith.
- In I Peter, He is your example.
- In II Peter, He is your purity.
- In I John, He is your life.
- In II John, He is your pattern.
- In III John, He is your motivation.
- In Jude, He is the foundation of your faith.
- In Revelation, He is your coming King

The Christmas Story

Holy Communion

Jesus’ Abiding GIFT We So Much NEED

WHY did Jesus give us this gift?

Jesus instituted Communion at the Last Supper, one of the last things He did as a “free man” before His arrest.  

Jesus would soon be gone – physically anyway.  And so He gave us a parting GIFT, as perhaps a very good friend might do who is leaving.  It is the GIFT of Himself, of His presence.  More than a picture – Himself!

WHAT blessings are given by Jesus?

Himself – and all that He gives!   The words of institution stress this, as have Christians for 2000 years!  “THIS ISmy blood…. my body….. GIVEN for YOU!”  It’s Jesus!   For YOU!  Jesus….  here….  given for you, giving to you.

Holy Communion is God’s way of hugging us.   In a very tangible, physical, concrete way.  Who doesn’t need a hug?  Especially from GOD!  “THIS is my blood shed for you on the Cross because THIS is how much I love YOU!   This is my body broken for you at Calvary because THIS is how much I love YOU!   YOU!  Here.  Now.

Jesus specifically said it’s all “for the forgiveness of sins.”  Whose sins?  Mine!  Yours!  It’s why He came, it’s why He died….   Luther wrote that where Jesus is – there IS forgiveness, mercy, life, hope, strength!    Big stuff!  Enormous blessings, huh?  No wonder Christians have cherished this Gift for 2000 years…  

Can we receive this gift too often?

Can you be loved too much?   Can you be hugged too often?   Can you be forgiving too frequently?  

How often does Jesus want to so bless us?

Jesus said, “DO this…..”   He doesn’t exactly state how frequently, although both the Greek words and the context suggest often.  Jesus gave this as His abiding gift…. Jesus so wants to love and bless us…. often!  It seems certain He wants this gift received frequently.

Consider:  You give your spouse an EXTREMELY expensive gift that is very, very precious to you.  You give it for ONE reason – to bless him/her.   Do you intend for your spouse to use and enjoy it, to be blessed by it?  Or put it in the safe deposit box to occasionally take out and admire?  

Did Early Christians celebrate this often?

Acts 2:42 shows that within weeks of Jesus giving this Gift, Christians were receiving it “constantly.”  

We know that at least from 70 AD, it was a part of every Sunday worship service - every week.   In fact, a worship service was not considered “whole” or “complete” without it.  

For the great majority of Christians, this is still the case.  Some 80% of Christians have this Gift as a part of every Sunday worship service (at least). It was 100% until very recently.

What did Luther recommend?  

Luther not only stresses every-Sunday Communion, but rebukes pastors “too lazy to offer it” and wonders about those who think themselves not in frequent need of it.  

Our Lutheran Confessions boldly state that Lutheran congregations celebrate and offer this Gift “every Sunday.” [Defense of the Augsburg Confession, Article XXIV, 1]

What does our LCMS say on this?

“Whereas, the opportunity to receive the Lord's Supper each Lord's Day was a reality cherished by Luther and set forth clearly with high esteem by our Lutheran Confessions; and Whereas, our synod's 1983 CTCR document on the Lord's Supper and Luther's Catechism both remind us that the Scriptures place the Lord's Supper at the center of Sunday worship, therefore be itRESOLVED, That The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod in convention encourage its pastors and congregations to study the scriptural, confessional, and historical witness to every Sunday communion with a view toward recovering the opportunity for receiving the Lord's Supper each and every Lord's Day.”  [1995 Convention of the LCMS]  

What happened?  Why wasn’t it always celebratedevery Sunday?

That’s a tough one!  I’m not sure anyone really knows.  It began to be occasionally withheld among Calvinists and later among SOME Lutherans a century or so after Luther.  In the US, there has been a strong undercurrent of anti-Catholicism likely at work here.  Many American Protestants began to shy away from things “Catholic” (Pretty selectively!  They still had Sunday worship, included Scripture readings, celebrated Christmas on Dec. 25 – all things Catholic!).   Fortunately this anti-Catholicism has faded…  Among American Lutherans, Communion celebration hit its “low point” about a century ago and has been growing in frequency ever since. Today, about one-third of LCMS congregations have every-Sunday Communion, but that percentage is growing fast.  

Does every-Sunday offering mandate every-Sunday receiving?

No.  Scripture makes no requirement on this; nor did Luther, nor does the Lutheran Confessions or the LCMS.  It’s not a legalistic issue of how often you must receive,it’s a gospel issue of how regularly the church should offer.

It’s the same with all we do.  We have weekly worshipservices but we don’t MANDATE that you participate every week - that’s up to you.  

Think of it this way:  A parent may LOVE their teenager, love them SO very much.  And may want to hug that boy or girl.  Sometimes, that teen refuses that hug.  Happens….  The parent doesn’t force it, just keeps lovingand keeps offering. As a parent who survived my children’s teen years, I know…. they grow and the day comes when they’ll welcome those hugs!   Be patient…..love….. embrace….. accept…  It’s not about legalism, it’s about love.  

A Simple Way to Pray (for Master Peter the Barber) 1535 by Dr. Martin Luther

Opening Prayer:
O Heavenly Father, dear God, I am a poor unworthy sinner. I do not deserve to raise my eyes or hands toward you or to pray.  But because You have commanded us all to pray and have promised to hear us and through Your dear Son Jesus Christ has taught us how and what to pray, I come to You in obedience to Your Word, trusting in Your gracious promise.  I pray in the name of my Lord Jesus Christ together with all Your saints and Christians on earth as he has taught us.  (Martin Luther)


Martin Luther has been described as one of the most dedicated men of prayer in all history.  Records show that he prayed 3 or 4 hours each day.

Prayer for most in the 16th century was a mechanical, religious rite…a legalistic work requiring little thought.  Martin Luther worked hard to reform prayer.  He taught that prayer should be living, powerful, strong, mighty, earnest, serious, troubled, passionate, vehement, fervent, ardent.

In 1535, Luther’s barber and friend Peter asked Dr. Luther for suggestions concerning prayer.  The response was Luther’s practical instruction using his ITCP method of prayer.

This is how Luther “prayed” the Small Catechism.  (Virtually any text of the Bible can be prayed this way, or for that matter, any biblically based prayer, including the Ten Commandments, the three articles of the Creed, etc. )  He said:

“If I have had time and opportunity to go through the Lord’s Prayer, I do the same with the Ten Commandments.  I take one part after another and free myself as much as possible from distractions in order to pray  I divide each commandment into four parts, thereby fashioning a garland of four strands.  That is, I think of each commandment as first instruction, which is really what it is intended to be, and consider what the Lord God demands of me so earnestly.  Second, I turn it into and thanksgiving; third a confession, and fourth, a prayer.
    Instruction

    Thanksgiving

    Confession

    Prayer


Example:  We poor sinners implore you…to preserve all pastors and ministers of Your Church in the true knowledge and understanding of Your wholesome Word and to sustain them in holy living .


Lord, You instruct us that it is Your deepest desire that pastors love and stick to Your Word for themselves and for others.  We also know that it is Your deepest desire, Lord, that we pray for our pastors.


Lord, I give You thanks for our Pastor and all pastors of the Church.  In this day and age, it’s a miracle that we have a pastor who believes the Bible, preaches Law and Gospel, loves his people and serves me and my family.


Lord, I confess that I fail to pray for our pastor.  I don’t think about or pray regularly for our seminaries.  I am not always generous in supporting my pastor.  I have disregarded the fact that You have placed our Pastor to dole out your previous gifts of the Gospel to us.

Lord, I pray, enlighten me by Your Word and Spirit.  Be with our pastor, and strengthen him today.  Protect him and his family.  Sustain him in holy living, and give him joy.  Cause me to be a source of joy in his ministry, and give me a generous heart that I may support the ministry of the Gospel in this place in every way.  Amen.


Martin Luther’s words about prayer:

It is a good thing to let prayer be the first business of the morning and the last at night. Guard yourself carefully against those false, deluding ideas which tell you, “Wait a little while  I will pray in an hour, first I must attend to this or that”.  Such thoughts get you away from prayer into other affairs which so hold your attention and involve you that nothing comes of prayer for that day.

First, when I feel that I have become cool and joyless in prayer because of other tasks or thoughts, I take my little psalter, hurry to my room, or, if it be the day and hour for it, to the church where a congregation is assembled and as time permits, I say quietly to myself and word-for-word the Ten Commandments, the Creed, and if I have time, some words of Christ or of Paul, or some Psalms, just as a child might do.

A good and attentive barber keeps his thoughts, attention, and eyes on the razor and hair and does not forget how far he has gotten with his shaving or cutting  If he wants to engage in too much conversation or let his mind wander or look somewhere else, he is likely to cut his customer’s mouth, nose, or even his throat.  Thus, if anything is to be done well, it requires the full attention of all one’s senses and members,.  He who thinks of many things thinks of nothing and does nothing right.  How much more does prayer call for concentration and singleness of heart if it is to be a good prayer!

If I fail to spend two hours in prayer each morning, the devil gets the victory through the day.  I have so much business I cannot get on without spending three hours daily in prayer.

Prayer is the hardest work of all - a labor above all labors since he who prays must wage almighty warfare against the doubt and murmuring excited by the faint and unworthiness.

Prayer is a strong wall and fortress of the church; it is a goodly Christian weapon.

Grant that I may not pray alone with the mouth;  help me that I may pray from the depths of my heart.

The fewer the words, the better the prayer.

Prayer is the daily business of a Christian.

As a shoemaker makes a shoe, or a tailor makes a coat, so ought a Christian pray.

When I am angry, I can pray well and preach well.