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Posted by Mike Smith 
· February 20, 2015 

T-38

Day 3 0f the 40…and reading the 1st chapter of Prayer (Keller) and the Intro to Beautiful Life (Smith)…

Prayer:

Finally, and admittedly late, the critical nature of prayer came clear to the Kellers.  Before we discuss what prayer is…the different forms it can take…Tim poses an important question built upon the premise that few of us commit to unimportant endeavors: How critical is prayer?  Give it a value on a scale of 1–5 (1 being not critical), and let’s see if it changes during the course of our reading and learning! Here’s how I’d like to challenge you in your valuation of prayer: Don’t evaluate based strictly on an intellectual basis…i.e., what you think or know the critical nature of prayer is, but instead evaluate your view from a practical point of view…i.e., how often you pray and/or how urgently you pray. See what I mean? Big difference, huh?

Beautiful:

Smith’s point in chapter 1 (as I read it) isn’t complicated. There’s a narrow pathway to joy and a wide, false pathway to happiness. The first question, I suppose, is which are you aiming for, truly?  Happiness or Joy? Before reading further, ensure at least rudimentary understanding of each. Diagnose the true desire(s) of your heart. And acknowledge what God is aiming at before starting down his narrow path…

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Comments

  1. JENNIFER HUMPHREYS says:
    February 23, 2015 at 7:02 pm

    I’m really enjoying this book (“Prayer”)- very thought provoking.
    I’ve often wondered if I’m “doing it right”…

    I kinda feel like prayer is super vital to my ability to be aware of the Spirit working through me. I can definitely notice feeling low or maybe the word is “off” when I’m praying less.

    Can’t wait to read more! 🙂

  2. Mike Smith says:
    February 21, 2015 at 12:22 pm

    You’re welcome, Tracy!
    I hope some others jump into the conversation over time…

    I’m sorry to confess that my view of the critical nature of prayer is low…a 2 valuation probably. I tend to think God is going to accomplish His will irrespective of me…but that betrays a view of prayer being about getting stuff done rather than a connection to relationship : /

    With regard to Smith/Beautiful, I must guard against aiming for “comfort” moreso than “happiness” which is an equally poor aim.

    • Jodi says:
      February 23, 2015 at 8:10 am

      Thank you Pastor Mike!

      My valuation of prayer is low at 1 or 2 and along the same line of reasoning; it will get done God’s way with or without me. However, there is a component of guilt when I live that way, if things don’t turn out the way I think it should I’ll own it?

      Contrast to this is a communion with God that gives peace and assurance and an attitude of “no matter what!”

  3. Tracy says:
    February 21, 2015 at 12:10 pm

    Awesome! Thanks, Pastor Mike!!

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