How do we pray? How do YOU pray?

This is from a note that I wrote about three months ago. Enjoy!

I've been thinking...how do we pray? Seriously, think about it for a moment. Do we go through the motions, say the "Five Finger Prayer" (for those that know what that is), say the "Lord's Prayer," pray for us and our wants? How do we pray?

I do not want to get all high and mighty because truthfully I never enjoyed prayer; I never thought of it as more than bowing your head and staying silent while others pray. But who's to say that when we pray we can't sing or dance or shout or cry or kneel or run? To many times we think that prayer should be only very superficial like "Dear Jesus, Thank you for this day, please help me in all my classes, I pray for my family please be with them today, give me peace throughout the day, AMEN." While there's nothing wrong with that prayer, do we really mean it or are we doing it out of necessity...because God wants us to or because we want to?

I know that I'm rambling but I think what I need to say is summed up like this. "A man is no greater than who he is on his knees before God." - Jerry Falwell....well if that's the case than a week ago I was as weak as a newborn infant. Too often we may go to the gym to work out our muscles or read a book to exercise our mind, but do we pray? And how do we pray?

How do you pray? Let me ask it again, how do you pray? Answer it because what you just said directly shows how deep a relationship you have with your Creator. I am definitely not saying that I know how to have the most dynamic prayer life nor am I saying that a basic prayer is anything to be scoffed at (as long as it is truly meant). I do not know anything but Christ crucified and that is what directs my prayer life...what directs yours?

As I was singing getting ready to pray, I flipped to a song that I have sung many times but never fully grasped. I did a little exposition on it and this is what prompted this note.

SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER

Sweet hour of prayer - Can we give an hour of prayer to God or is our time 'too precious?

That calls me from a world of care - This world is so fast-paced and crazy. Can we shut off our cellphones, computers, iPods, or music long enough to hear the still small voice of the Holy Spirit?

And bids me at my Father's throne - We are able to enter the King of the universe's chamber. Can we do this in any kingly court on earth?

Makes all my wants and wishes known - God wants to know what you desire. But are we desiring the right things?

In season of distress and grief my soul has often found relief - Come to God during the times of heartache and trials. Are we too proud or hurt to praise and worship God in the middle of life's storms?

And I escaped the tempter's snare - By praying we can drive away darkness and Satan. Do we claim the blood of Christ as often as we should?

By thy return, sweet hour of prayer - Jesus is coming back will we be ready? Shall we then seek His face in prayer?

Much Money, Practicum Pains, Great Grades, and Amusing Alliteration

Dear Friends and Family,

Just in case any of you forgot about my exciting adventures in college thus far, you can check out the archives for my previous e-mails. Now to get down to business.

Since the first semester of school went swimmingly, I felt that this spring semester should be no different. Though I was somewhat right, this semester went by faster and was definitely more interesting. Once I got back from spring break (half of which was spent in NYC), the school year flew past like a F/A-18E/F Super Hornet in transonic flight. In the last update I sent out, I had mentioned my thoughts on the whole singing ministry teams. It turns out that the group was a financial strain on the University, and they got rid of the team and likewise the scholarships. In addition, I applied in April to the Honors Program which pays almost $4,000/yr. Through my powerful manipulation of words and savoir faire, I was able to get that scholarship as well as another $2,000 scholarship due to my academic progress and a letter of recommendation. As you can see, God is blessing me in innumerable ways, and I hope that He is doing the same for each of you.

Onto the academic side of things. As many of you know (if you've been reading my e-mails), I was taking 18 credits OR 9 classes this semester. This turned out to be a great experience and not as stressful as I had thought. Four of my classes ended in early April, Contemporary Issues, Intro. to Education, Education Computer Skills, and Evangelism.

Only five classes remained as finals week drew closer, the horror! My theology class (with the most amazing teacher) did not have a final because we took it the last day of class.
FOUR TO GO....My piano lesson had what is known as jury. Basically, I memorized two pieces of music, went into the head of the piano department's office, played for him and my teacher, and they graded my progress accordingly. I dreaded this final, but he told me that I did "A+ work."
THREE TO GO...Old Testament Survey was the biggest joke of a class. The teacher was knowledgeable and interesting, but most of the material I had already been taught. The final was just like any other test. Boring! C'mon, challenge me!
TWO TO GO...Literature and Composition OR English 102 OR the bane of spring semester 2008. Such a bad class, yet it got me to think at least the way my professor does. I was extremely worried about getting a B in the class; however, I got a perfect score on my final. Maybe he doesn't hate me after all.
ONE TO GO...On the way home from Liberty on May 7th, I realized that I had a final to take the next day!! OH NO! Just kidding, I did have a final, but I had to take it online. I studied the whole way home and got an A on the final in Economics.

Basically, I got a 4.0 this semester as well. But would it had been as interesting just to know that instead of reading the above discourse?

Now, other things happened during the semester too...like surprise birthday parties, going on road trips, venting about how we don't have a theater fit for a University, and oh yes the best one...getting thrust into the middle of a musical because someone dropped out. Originally, I was playing piano for this guy, Adam, who was doing "Forever Plaid" as his senior project. During rehearsals I would help them out, yet one person decided that it was too much and dropped out. So, I picked up the slack and did it. It was fun experience and allowed me to help someone in need.

Oh yeah, when I got home I had to do a 30 hour observation (practicum) at the high school. I will let you know ALL about that in another post.

Hallelujah, the pain has subsided and now I have to get ready to endure another glorious semester full of papers, new roommate, stressful classes, and unending nights. That's the life of a college student, or maybe just this college student. Have a great weekend!

School's Out!

Dear Family and Friends,

I've decided to create my own blog so that everyone can come and read my random ramblings as well as stay in touch with my not so exciting life. I plan on posting on what's going on in my life, but I also plan on giving everyone some thoughts on theology. So if you want to learn more about God with me and stay updated on my life, come visit often!