Prayer That Works

This last Sunday I preached a message entitled "God's Blueprint For Prayer."  If interested you may hear it here.  It was a look at the prayer model Jesus gave His disciples in Luke 11:1-4.  A prayer often times referred to as the Lord's Prayer.  What is important to note about this prayer, is that it is more about how to pray rather than what to pray.

In preparing my message I stumbled onto a piece written by an anonymous author, that sums up what I believe to be the heart of Jesus, particularly when praying in such a fashion.



I cannot say, "Father" if I do not endeavor each day to act like His child.

I cannot say, "May your name be kept holy" if I am playing around with sin.

I cannot say "May your Kingdom come soon" if I am not allowing God to reign in my life.

I cannot say, "Give us each day the food we need" if I am trusting in myself instead of in God's provision.

I cannot say, "Forgive us our sins" if I am nursing a grudge or witholding forgiveness from someone else.

I cannot say, "don't let us yield to temptation" if I deliberately place myself in it's path.

As we pray, may we be remember the words of Proverbs 28:9 that "If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable."

May we be committed to not only honoring God with our lips, but with our very lives.  For when we do, we can be assured that our prayers will be heard.

Kony 2012

It was in 2006 that I first learned of the plight of the Invisible Children in Northern Uganda.  Thousands of children forced to leave their homes each night so that they might sleep without the fear of being abducted by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA).  You may learn more and read my initial thoughts here.

Now six years later the movement has gained incredible momentum and has now reached a history changing moment.  I love the spirit of the movement.  I appreciate their values and their passion for seeking and fulfilling biblical justice.

As we head into what is sure to be a very volatile election season, there is one thing that I believe all sides should agree on, justice.  I stand with this movement in making Joseph Kony "famous", bringing him to justice, and stopping the crimes he is perpetrating.

Please take 30 minutes of your time to view this video and then ask yourself what your role might be.




UPDATE:  Since the release of this campaign there has been a fair amount of critique, concern, and  criticism.  I appreciate the response of Invisible Children to the concerns that have been raised.  I encourage you to read it here.

UPDATE #2:  One month after the release of the first video, Invisible Children has released this follow up video.  Well worth the watch!