A few weeks ago, we were invited to a conference in Steinbach, Man., by the pastor of our home church in Langdon, Alb. The conference was about personal renewal; renewal of the spirit and soul. We learned many things, but it all came back to the fact that when individuals are renewed, this results in churches being renewed, which results in the worldwide church being renewed.
It was a life-giving weekend for us individually, as a couple and as the director duo of Intertribal Life Ministries.
During one session, the speaker said something that felt like it was directed specifically to me. It hasn't left my mind, and I'm constantly being reminded of it. He stated that there was a difference between being a person (or church or ministry) that prays, and a praying person (or church or ministry). I knew in my spirit that there was a difference, but because this was the first time I heard it, I needed to do some research. Here is what I've learned.
A person who prays may engage in prayer but does not necessarily integrate it his or her daily activities or daily life. Prayer is typically considered an occasional activity or a response to a specific need, rather than a consistent part of one's spiritual life.
By contrast, a praying person integrates prayer into his or her daily life and activities. When you are a praying person, your life is characterized by prayer, and prayer permeates all aspects of your life, making prayer a central focus, or core element, of your life.
What do the Holy Scriptures have to say about prayer? So much! Here are a few of my favorites:
• "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18).
• "Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:18).
• "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful" (Colossians 4:2).
• "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6–7).
Considering the defining characteristics of being a person who prays versus a praying person, it seems to me that all throughout scripture, we are encouraged and exhorted to be the latter-a praying person. We are to be people whose lives are characterized by prayer, so it permeates all aspects of our lives, becoming a central focus or core element of our lives.
I'm not there yet. But, I know Jesus delights in every one of my prayers, hearing every one of them.
I wonder if perhaps becoming a praying person starts with being a person who prays? Just like a child doesn't learn to run before he or she walks, perhaps a child of God learns to pray before he or she becomes a praying person.
I think of the disciples when they asked Jesus to teach them how to pray in Luke 11:1–4.
"Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples."
So He said to them, "When you pray, say:
Our Father in heaven
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us day by day our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins,
For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one."
Even the disciples had to start somewhere.
Krystal Wawrzyniak serves with her husband, Todd, part of the Intertribal Life director duo.
