Matthew 6:12,14-15 (NIV)

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors….

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.‭

Although God knows our need, he does still want us to articulate it to him. Do you find it easy or difficult to bring your needs to God?

Prayer, at the most basic starting point is asking God for stuff.

Prayer, at its best, is a two-way conversation with God; talking and listening.

Prayer at its most formative, is communion with Father, Son, & Spirit.

There is an expectation on God’s part that we would indeed pray. Prayer is forming something within us. It bends our will to God’s will. It gives entrance to God work on our behalf. Prayer is not a magic trick. Prayer moves us into God’s will, as we submit our will.

God is so good. In His infinite wisdom and love for humanity, He has invited you to partner with Him to affect all the things around you. Maybe the things that annoy, anger, dishearten, frustrate you are all simply an invitation to ‘intercede’ = invite God to move in the situation.

The primary aim of prayer is relationship. Prayer is relational, not transactional. “Adoration is the lifting up of the heart and mind to God, asking nothing but to enjoy God’s presence.”

Prayer connects us to God.

The more time you spend with something or someone, the more confidence you build in it. The same is true for God. The more time you spend with God, the more your faith in Him will grow.

A Christmas story of LOVE

Finding for Joy. Joy is a theme that runs through the whole Bible. Sometimes joy is connected to beauty or with kids or to a glass of wine. But the Bible also talks about a kind of joy not based on happy circumstances but based on the anticipation of God’s promises. The promise of a Savior brings us joy, but we must take a step by repenting. Then we find Joy in our salvation!

Picture of Peace. When you think about your home during the holidays, what picture comes to mind? Peace is something God longs to bring into our homes. Peace is a gift God gave us and we celebrate the Prince of Peace’s arrival during Christmas. Jesus is the Picture of Peace we need in our homes.