No Children at Church?

Cody and I have been volunteering at Falls City Christian Church  for a couple months now, where we take turns each month, teaching a lesson to the kiddos. Not to brag, but we have discovered the keys to a successful lesson: games and candy.

This month, I chose to stray from the typical 'bible story' theme and go over how to pray in general. Praying is such a beautiful, powerful and important aspect of our relationship with God. I mean come on, we stinkin' get free 24 hr access to talk to the CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE. This trumps having Theo James's personal number on my speed dial, which I do; in my dreams.

Come Sunday, I was giddy with excitement to teach my lesson! My growing anticipation was stunted however when alas, no children attended church that morning. Bummer eh? Not anymore! because luckily, I have this nifty little blog. So here it is; a 'would-have-been-epic' lesson on prayer!

Open your hand and take a look, there should be five appendages present (if not, I apologize, just pretend with me on this one). Each one of these fingers can represent an aspect of prayer. 

1. Praise

When you take the time to chat it up with your Maker, remember just who it is you are addressing. This is thee head honcho of life and all that comes after. The Alpha and Omega. You are being heard by the God who knows everything, created everything and is outside of time. So 'approach the throne' boldly and praise Him because He is a big deal! ....And because He controls lightning.... 

2.Thanksgiving

Think about all the blessings in your life. Say a quick thank you for friends, family members, memories, sunsets, every breath, or even the struggles God has gifted you with.

3.Confession

What was that? You aren't perfect?! Shoot. Well, you are in luck because 1. God already knows everything about you, good and bad, and 2. Jesus already paid the price of your sin in full. Confessing is about repenting. Fess up and then know that He forgives you and then move on. Being sincerely sorry for things that you have done is good, but our Lord is a giver of grace NOT guilt.

4. Intersession

Pray for others. 'Others' includes everyone from the sweet lady down the street to the man that just cut you off in traffic. In prayer we need to intercede for the well-beings of those around us, and enemies are not exempt.

5. Petition

This part of prayer is where I get to say, "And if it is Your will, may I please someday soon, have Theo James's personal number on my speed dial?" God is your ultimate father. He loves you. Just like any earthly parent does, He wants to give you gifts. Ask. Don't be afraid to ask for the big stuff! Worrying about things will do nothing but give you grey hair, but praying, from what I hear, can move mountains. 

The last part of your hand is the palm, which also conveniently has the largest surface area. This can represent the portion of your prayer life that should go towards listening. There's a saying, 'You have  two ears and one mouth to listen more and talk less.' -all of my teachers. Getting feedback is the part that is going to rock your world. I get it, this part is more difficult sometimes. God can shoot out His message so loud and clear it feels like a literal palm smack to my forehead, or...His response can seem elusive. My only tips to hearing God (I'm not a pro-prayer by any means) would be to: 1. Actually pray- Saying grace once a year at Thanksgiving leaves a small window for good communication. 2. Calm yourself- it's hard to hear God whispering when there is war going on in your head or emotions. and 3. Read your bible-It isn't called the 'Living Word' for nothing, all the answers you need, are there. 

.....And now we are going to play duck duck goose, winner gets a tootsie roll. 

Note: Whenever I am wondering about something, I look up the topic in my word reference section in the back of my bible. I look up each verse containing that word or topic and if it contextually applies to my question of study, I write down a summery or key point of the verse. In the end I have a well rounded compilation of God's thoughts on the matter. For example, for prayer I found:

Reference Verses----Key Points

Dt. 4:7--- God is near us when we pray to Him

2 CH 7:14--- He says He will hear us, forgive and heal

Mt 5:44 and Lk 6:28---pray for your enemies

Mt 6:5---don't flaunt your prayers to impress others publicly

Mt. 6:9-- how to pray

Mt 26:36---Jesus prayed

Lk 18:1---Don't give up in prayer

Lk 22:40--- Pray not to fall into temptation

1 Th 3:17---Pray continually

Jas 5:13---Pray in faith through all emotions

1 Sa 1:27--- The Lord grants prayers

Mk 14:35--- Ask God's will

Mk 11:24-25--- Forgive others first and believe God will grant your prayers

1 P 3:12---Pray instead of worrying 

1 Ch 5:20---He answered because they trust

Eph 6:18---Pray in the Spirit

Psalm 5:3--- read it!

P.S. I feel so blessed to be a part of the Falls City team. I am learning as much from these lessons as the kids are!