Matthew 6:7-8 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 don’t know that there’s any passage in the whole Bible that evokes Japanese Buddhism in my mind any more strongly than this one. In some sects they don’t even “pray” as such, but just repeat “The name of the Lotus Sutra, the name of the Lotus Sutra” over and over and over again. There’s at least one sect that specifically teaches that is the way to “salvation.” How sad! That’s why genuine Christian prayers, spoken in the context of an intimate relationship with our heavenly Father, are so shocking to many Japanese, and again why so many Japanese Christians, even, have trouble believing they could ever “pray like the preacher.” I have a pastor friend who almost always includes what I call a “weather report” in his prayers, which I find amusing, but it was initially a tool for him to get past formalism on the one hand and making demands on the other. Prayer is both the simplest thing in the world and the subject with the most depth, because it is interaction with the infinite God of the universe. It’s no wonder the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray!

I could never overestimate the blessing of having been raised in a family where prayer was as natural, and as necessary, as breathing. I desire to impart that attitude to all believers, but it’s certainly an uphill struggle! I teach in secular schools on the college level, and I always start each class by praying out loud for my students. (They are private schools, so that doesn’t violate any regulations.) I always provide a space for comments on the final exams I give, and every year I get multiple comments about how my prayers are appreciated, saying they were “refreshing” or “gave me peace.” I’ve never had anyone complain about them. However, going from there to my students believing they could have a relationship with God that would enable them to pray like that is another matter! In this church, most believers are indeed growing in prayer, but we could all stand to pray more. That, of course, is not repeating rote prayers, even the Lord’s Prayer, or even talking more. After all, we have to listen for it to be a conversation! I need to remember, as well as teach, that prayer is very much a two-way street. God is a very good listener, but we need to grow in that area too!

Father, communication with You is the deepest of all subjects. Help me keep growing, going deeper in fellowship with You and leading others to do the same, so that in Christ we may be all that You desire and intend, for our great blessing and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!