“In the Lord’s Prayer, the first petition is for daily bread. No one can worship God or love his neighbor on and empty stomach.” –Woodrow Wilson, 28th President of the United States

Sinclair Ferguson, a well-known Scottish theologian, author, teacher, and preacher,  was visited by a senior editor of a publishing company and asked to write a book on prayer. Dr. Ferguson was honored but politely declined the offer and suggested another favored name. The editor smiled and admitted he had already asked this person, and they, too, had refused the offer. So he suggested another colleague

 and another smile came from the editor. He said, “This person didn’t believe he was ready to pen a book on prayer either.”

Prayer can be foreboding even to the professionals. 

Why is prayer difficult? There are many reasons–we are distracted, we feel inadequate, our faith dwindles, articulating sin is humbling, and perhaps most of all, we become weary of the world. The disciples asked Jesus how to pray even though they were in constant contact with the Son of God. This band of men needed direction, and we do too.  

The Bible contains 650 prayers with approximately 450 answers to prayers and records Jesus praying 25 times. Paul mentions prayer 41 times in his letters.  Prayers, prayers, prayers. You may not write a book on prayer, but keep searching and appeal to wise believers for instruction. Like the editor, we must be diligent in finding prayer guidance. We cannot decline the opportunity to grow in prayer.

Prayer: 

Lord God Almighty, All honor and glory are yours! Help me to know you through prayer and seek what will enhance my acknowledgment of knowing you, Triune God. To you-Praise, Thanksgiving, Confession, and all my thoughts are yours. Amen