ALPHA MAAMA (A.M.)

Tusite Ma‘asi 27, 2018

Ko e lotú, ko e mānava ia ‘a e Kalisitiané

( Prayer, the breath of the Christian life)

Fehu‘i #38

Ko e hā ‘a e lotu?

Ko e lotú  ko ‘etau lilingi hotau lotó  ki he ‘Otuá ‘i he fakafeta‘i, kole, vete angahala mo e fakamālō.

What is prayer?

Prayer is pouring out our hearts to God in praise, petition, confession of sin, and thanksgiving.

SAAME 62:8

Falala kiate ia he taimi kotoa; ‘A e kakai, mou lilingi homou lotó ‘i hono ‘ao na: Ko e ‘Otua ko e hūfanga mo‘otaua.

PSALM 62:8

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.

Commentary – John Piper

Prayer is the way you walk by the Spirit. Prayer is the way you walk by faith. In other words, it's the breath of the Christian life all day long. Just breathe in, breathe out. It's the way you live.

Let me illustate for you with four elements from the catechism:

confession, petition, praise, and thanks. I'm commending to you that any time you face any situation when you feel I need help here, you do it by prayer using these four elements.

Suppose I have to speak in front of a group, and I am nervous

(you can pick your particular challenge). As the moment approaches I wonder, "Am I going to be able to do this? Will I remember what I have to say? Will I make a fool of myself?" And at that moment I confess my need to God. I say, "Lord, I'm a sinner. I don't deserve your help, but I need your help. I can't do anything without you." That's the confession step of prayer.