| Nikon D4, AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, ISO 28735, ƒ/5.3, 1/100 |
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.
Romans 8:26
Christians everywhere study prayer for many different reasons. Some want to harness the power of the prayer:
He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Matthew 16:20
We want control. We want to be able and talk to God and for him to respond to our needs. But, we also see so many situations in which we believe we know what is best.
I am sure you can think of many other reasons we pray. However, what struck me about the topic of prayer is how much we study prayer to be able to control it.
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| Nikon D2X, Sigma 18-125mm f/3.8-5.6 DC OS HSM, ISO 1600, ƒ/5.6, 1/80 |
Debra Williams, D.D. did a study called “Scientific Research of Prayer: Can the Power of Prayer Be Proven?” Here is a link to the survey http://www.plim.org/PrayerDeb.htm. Her research shows that even when people do not know people are praying for them, there still is an impact. So who wouldn’t want to tap into this healing power?
If our friends all got together and compared their notes on communicating with us to get what they wanted—how would this make us feel?
Is the purpose of prayer to get what we want, or is it really about the relationship with God?
I like what is said in Romans 8:26 (see above). It paints the picture to me of a relationship that is so good and intimate it may resemble a couple who have been married for years and are in retirement, and their movements with each other reach a dance. Words are not always said, but they know each other so well as not to step on each other’s toes.
“these I will bring to my holy mountain
Isaiah 56:7
and give them joy in my house of prayer.
Their burnt offerings and sacrifices
will be accepted on my altar;
for my house will be called
a house of prayer for all nations.”
Christians in Photojournalism’s strength is in our prayer life. While individual prayer is our priority, we can learn from each other when we are with those who are on a similar path in this life.
“For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”
Matthew 18:20