{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/5f767427fe6a49684483396f/601c9d748bcdb43477524cce?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Ancient Pathways: Prayer","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/5f767427fe6a49684483396f/1612487816809-2daf9666be92dda71e23c655b20a95b7.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p><br></p><p>This is what God is saying to us:&nbsp;&nbsp;<em>“Stand by the ways and see, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk-in it; Then you will find a resting place for your souls.”&nbsp;Jeremiah 6:16a NASB</em></p><p>We are designed to connect with our Maker.&nbsp;He is infinite; beyond our ability to understand or control, yet He is intimate and proximate enough to be known.</p><p>Yes, God is beyond our ability to completely comprehend, yet, He is intimate and near.&nbsp;How does this happen?&nbsp;Well, simply, God invites us to communicate with him by talking and listening.</p><p><strong>Prayer is simply talking and listening to God.</strong>&nbsp;“We learn to pray by praying.&nbsp;There is no right or wrong way to pray.&nbsp;You cannot pray a bad prayer.&nbsp;The best prayers come from the heart; no pretending and no special language.”&nbsp;--Bud Lamb&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https://budlamb.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e6acf4d709018122865f849de&amp;id=ea41377dcc&amp;e=1037bc78cc\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Chasing the Sage</a>, page 148</p><p>We are encouraged to talk to God about anything that concerns us.</p><p><strong>Talking with God is just like talking with your spouse or kids or friends</strong>&nbsp;-- you talk about things you’re concerned about as they listen.&nbsp;Then they talk and you listen.&nbsp;It is a give and take conversation where both express ideas, emotions, and concerns.</p><p><strong>The best prayers come from the heart</strong>; no pretending and no special language.</p><p><strong>When praying, be real.&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;If you’re confused or angry, let the emotions flow.&nbsp;If you’re sad or depressed, let Him know.&nbsp;If you’re in need of guidance or help in any way, just put it out there and ask.</p><p><strong>How long to pray?&nbsp;It can be as short as “Jesus, help me!”&nbsp;</strong>or as long as it takes to work through all the details about the concern you are grappling with.&nbsp;God is a great and patient listener!&nbsp;He doesn’t limit you to 280 characters!&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Slow down - He’s got all the time in the world to be with you!</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;Being in a hurry will frustrate your conversations with God.</p><p>What matters is that you do your best to&nbsp;<strong>engage</strong>&nbsp;in the conversation&nbsp;<strong>with God</strong>.&nbsp;He understands and reads your heart so you don’t have to make the words come out “right” -- just let it flow.</p><p>Remember, prayer is learning to talk to God and listen to Him in return...and we learn to pray by praying.</p><p>So, \"Let's pray!\"</p><p>--------------------------------</p><p><strong>Pray</strong></p><p><em>Take a few minutes right now to talk with God about what is going on in your heart right now.</em></p>","author_name":"Bud Lamb"}