“Prayer is both a entry point and the essential power that helps us follow Jesus. To live like him requires us to pray like him. In other words, following Jesus is not just a matter of skill and grit; it is made possible through a life of being with God in prayer.”- Rich Villodas
“One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray.’ “- Luke 11:1 (NIV)
In the Interlude (“Prayer and the Narrow Path”) between Chapters 3 and 4 of The Narrow Path, Rich Villodas notes that to live like Jesus presupposes communion with Him. Above all, this communion flows out of an approach to prayer that:
- engages the heart.
- captivates the mind.
- directs the will.
Therefore, Rich highlights three important lessons in contained in the Lord’s Prayer to help us on the journey ahead.
1. Following Jesus requires the empowerment of God. Hence, prayer serves as a gift (it’s not a solo effort on our part) and a challenge (but we want to go solo). Yet, there’s a surprise of the Christian life. For the more we yield to God in prayer, the more God empowers us to live like Jesus. And we must rely on the continual empowerment of the Holy Spirit for that Christian formation.
2. Prayer is not a list we bring to God but a practice that forms us in His love. Certainly, Rich states, a time exists for bringing our list of requests to God. However, our relationship with God turns transactional when this practice functions as the only reason we pray. Most significantly, Rich asserts, “Prayer is more about being with God than getting something from him.”
3. Prayer is about simplicity of heart and speech. Thus, Rich muses, prayer never requires a degree in theology or fluency in Old English! Because we commune with God through simple speech. Rather than flowery monologues. Because Jesus’ teachings are not from this world, we need the otherworldly power of prayer. And it’s available every day.
Today’s question: Do you know people who see following Jesus as just a matter of skill and grit? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “”Jesus calls out the very best”