Sermon Snippet – Simply Praying
INTRODUCTION – Throughout much of this year, we have been contemplating some of the implications of “the simplicity [singleness of purpose] that is in Christ” (II Corinthians 11:3). This principle applies to all areas of life, including prayer. People have told me that they think that their prayers are too simple and that they are uncomfortable praying in front of others. All of us have different personalities, and some are naturally reticent. Nothing is gained by forcing others to pray in public. We should note, though, that God does not require lengthy prayers filled with polysyllabic words. Let us consider a bit of what it means to simply pray.
1. LORD, FORGIVE
The book of Job is challenging to read. It is quite long, and most of it is in the form of contentious dialogue. It is like listening to five squabbling theologians trying to belittle and best each other – until, mercifully, God speaks and rescues us from the pride and pomposity of man. Job rightly responds, “Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes” (42:6). To repent is to ask for forgiveness and to turn from the wrong actions that required forgiveness in the first place. “Lord, forgive me” is an all-too-frequent prayer of mine. We also pray for others to be forgiven, following our Savior’s example from the Cross: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34a). When we pray for the salvation of others, we are joining with Jesus in His prayer for the eternal forgiveness of people who need the Savior.
2. LORD, HELP
One of the most relatable individuals in Scripture is found in Mark 9:17-29 (a passage we have studied in more detail a couple of times recently). This father is overwhelmed; his son’s affliction dominates the dad’s life and thinking. Twice he employs the word “help.” The first deals with his son’s physical needs (verse 22). The second focuses on his own spiritual needs. These two uses cover all of life. We need help all of the time, and others also need this help. The call for help necessarily includes humility before our omnipotent God: “My help cometh from the LORD, [Who] made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:2). There is no better, greater Helper.
3. LORD, THANK YOU
It is a good practice to thank others. It is an even better practice to thank God. Both I Thessalonians 5:17-18 and Philippians 4:6-7 remind us that thanksgiving is an integral part of prayer. A simple “Thank you, Lord” is a prayer itself, one that reflects an appropriate attitude of gratitude to our good God.
4. LORD, YOU KNOW
Sometimes the burdens are so great that we struggle to find the words to convey our concerns. Often, I employ some form of “Lord, You know” to express my limitations and my deep dependence upon our Savior God. Romans 8:26 is a central commentary on this point: “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit [Himself] maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Just because our words fail is no reason to fail to pray.
CONCLUSION – “Lord, forgive”; “Lord, help”; “Lord, thank you”; “Lord, You know” – these are simple prayers. However, they are Biblical and provide an encouraging framework for personal and group prayer. Certainly, each one of us needs to pray for the gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ; that simple prayer saves forever. Let no one despise the simplicity of our prayers, and let us not think that our prayers are not good enough.