05 Thu Dec 2024
Posted in Christmas
Tags
Back in 2019 when I could barely play the piano, I wrote this song which was used at Christmas in our church in London. I’ve always promised myself that one day I would record a decent version and then release it.
True to form, I’ve never done that but this year I gave it a go and I am sharing it with you now. I would like to continue working on the mix, but if I do that it will never be released so I’m releasing it as it is.
I hope you enjoy it.
16 Sat Sep 2023
Posted in Prayer
Have you ever felt somewhat lost in your prayer life? Maybe you’ve pondered, “Am I getting this right?” You’re certainly not alone in this. Even the earliest followers of Jesus had their questions about prayer. Fortunately, Jesus offered them—and us—some invaluable guidance. Let’s delve into Matthew 6:7 to discover the essence of meaningful prayer.
The Ancient Approach: Endless Repetition
Firstly, let’s set the context. In Matthew 6:7, Jesus states, “And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words” (NIVUK). What exactly does Jesus mean by “babbling like pagans”?
In the era in which Jesus lived, there were many religious practices that involved reciting long, complex prayers to a multitude of gods. The idea was to say the ‘magic words’, perfectly articulated, to get the gods to do one’s bidding. It’s akin to treating deities like a vending machine: input the correct words, and out pops a blessing.
Why Endless Words Won’t Do
Jesus looked at this practice and said, “That’s not the way.” Why? Because the God of the Bible is not a vending machine waiting for the correct code. He’s more like a parent who knows what you need before you even ask (Matthew 6:8). Unlike the other gods people worshipped, the God of the Bible desires a relationship with you. He wishes for dialogue, not mere repetition of ornate words.
The Heart of the Matter: Connection Over Ritual
So, if repetitive prayers aren’t the answer, what is? The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) shows us the way. It’s a concise prayer that touches on the essentials, like acknowledging God, seeking daily needs, and asking for His help to face the day. The aim is to engage God in a sincere conversation, much like you would with a close friend or family member.
Shifting from Quantity to Quality
The difference between repetitive prayers and praying as Jesus instructed is like the difference between fast food and a home-cooked meal. While fast food might fill you quickly, it’s not nutritious in the long run. On the other hand, a home-cooked meal is prepared with care and is much better for your well-being. Likewise, uttering many words in prayer may give you a short-lived sense of accomplishment, but ultimately, they will not draw you near to God. It is the quality of those words, and the relationship behind them, is what matters the most.
How to Engage in Genuine Prayer
So, how can you engage in meaningful prayer? Here are some quick pointers:
Conclusion
In Matthew 6:7, Jesus offers a profound lesson: prayer is not about stringing together the perfect phrases but about developing a genuine relationship with God. The next time you find yourself in prayer, avoid any pointless repetition. Opt for an honest, heartfelt dialogue with God. It’s the most effective way to forge a lasting, meaningful relationship and will yield lasting results.
Now that you’re equipped with insights into meaningful prayer, why not put it into practice? You may find it’s simpler—and more enriching—than you’ve ever thought possible.
09 Sat Sep 2023
Posted in Prayer
Matthew 6:5-8 NIV
“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
I’ve been studying these scriptures in my ongoing research for the book on effective prayer strategies. My focus has been on the importance of personal prayer spaces and the value of solitude for a “meaningful prayer experience.”
While some may be blessed with a dedicated prayer room, others may not have such a physical space. The “room” mentioned by Jesus can be metaphorically seen as a quiet prayer corner, not necessarily a literal room.
Consider Susanna Wesley, the extraordinary mother of John and Charles Wesley. Despite her numerous responsibilities—raising 10 surviving children, managing a household, homeschooling, and even running a farm—she never compromised her “consistent prayer life.” Financial difficulties and community hostility didn’t deter her. She repurposed her kitchen apron to create a makeshift prayer sanctuary.
So, what are the key takeaways for effective prayer? The most important thing is to find a time and place to be alone with God, as Jesus instructs. This requires discipline and a protective attitude towards the time allocated for prayer. If a physical room isn’t available, consider alternative prayer locations like a garden spot, a park bench, or even your car during lunch breaks at work. The example of Susanna Wesley demonstrates both the necessity and the creativity required for a fruitful prayer life.
Therefore, if you haven’t yet found your personal prayer sanctuary, I encourage you to set this as a goal and defend it against all distractions.
Richard Stringer Music 
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