2026 Jan 18 - Afternoon sermon reflection: Grow in Praying as You Grow in Learning about Prayer

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This afternoon’s sermon offered a gentle and deeply pastoral invitation into the life of prayer. The message did not aim to make us feel guilty for not praying “correctly,” but rather encouraged us to grow in prayer as we grow in understanding what prayer truly is.

The first question asked was: Who do we pray to? The sermon reminded us that we do not pray to an abstract or distant deity, but to our loving Father. Through Christ, we are children of God, and by the Holy Spirit we cry out, “Abba, Father.” This truth reshapes prayer from a religious duty into a loving conversation within a covenant relationship.

Then we were asked: What is prayer? Prayer was described simply as “calling upon God from the heart.” It is speaking honestly and sincerely to the Father — not with perfect words, but with a true heart. This encourages believers to bring their real selves before God, trusting that He already knows and cares.

We also learned that prayer is not about using the right number or type of words. Instead, it centers on petitions, thanksgiving, confession, and adoration. Even when we have no words, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and we can turn to Scripture itself — the Psalms or the Lord’s Prayer — as a guide.

The sermon also reminded us that we may pray anywhere and at any time, but that private, quiet moments are especially meaningful for personal prayer. Setting aside regular times for prayer is not legalism, but a loving discipline.

Above all, we were reminded why we pray: because we love God, because He loves us, and because prayer expresses our dependence and thankfulness. God responds to prayer and uses it as a means of grace in our lives.

May we continue to grow in praying as we grow in learning about prayer.

Scripture Focus: Matthew 6; Romans 8

Theme: Prayer and Spiritual Growth

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