The God we pray to

 

Luke 2:15-21

I met someone this week with questions about faith and prayer. This person had never prayed before, and certainly didn't consider themselves religious. So much so, that, being in a particular struggle, the thought of reaching out in prayer now seemed hypocritical. There was a lot of conversation about concepts of God and belief in the Lord. But the main question was, "Who am I praying to?" In your praying, are you sure who or even what you're praying to? The next time you're in worship, pay attention to how we address God. Typically, there are reminders of who God is. Even when we call to mind things God has done, we're still connecting to God's identity. So, if we're praying to the God who created all things, for example, we're recognizing the Lord as our Creator. This recent conversation reminded me of something important. We do well to maintain our sense of wonder at our personal communion with God. Personal and communal communion, of course. That is, God has been made known to us. And we are known to God. Isn't that what we're celebrating at Christmas? Isn't that what John Wesley said was the best of all? God with us! My prayer to start a new year is to ask God to stir in me a desire to seek God with all that I have. To know more the God I pray to. I'll do so with this promise: When we seek God, we see God. And this God isn't some random, unknown being beyond our grasp. When the shepherds came to the manger, the left glorifying God. Their eyes had seen God's promise in the flesh. A few days later, his parents gave the promise a name: Jesus. Jesus taught us to pray. Whether we feel like we're using the right words or not, God hears us. So, start praying where you are, with whatever understanding you have. That's where God meets you. And the Lord will take you from there. Considering all that, as we start a new year, let me leave you with this blessing. May it guide you as you seek to know more the God you pray to:  The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Happy New Year! Stay blessed...john