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Online links to scriptures (New International Version [NIV] unless otherwise stated) are shown in blue
| Greek (Western) |
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 Our prayer is primarily help and request orientated.
In Greek life, prayer was not a consistent everyday event, the gods being called upon when something was wrong or someone had a need. In times of celebration in the great arenas, the gods would be called upon to make the event successful, by leaders praying lengthy and colorful prayers on behalf of the people. The success or failure of the prayer was judged by the results. If fine weather was requested and it rained, the gods were displeased.
Many elements of these early Greek attitudes to prayer remain with us today in our prayer lives. For example, in most services, the minister will pray on behalf of the people. And we will simply agree, by saying 'Amen' (So be it.)
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| Eastern (Hebrew) |
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 Hebrew prayer is short, frequent, at set times, and oriented towards thankfulness for what God has done thus building faith for what He will do.
Prayer is regarded as a communal activity even when the people are apart, as they are praying at similar times. Moslems apply a similar principle in their 5 daily prayers facing towards Mecca. It can be communal or individual, but even in the communal, the people pray individually.
This personal communal element is illustrated in the Lord's Prayer which starts not 'my' but 'our', and which is normally said together, more reflecting the Eastern pattern.....
Matthew 6:9
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 Adoration of God is the preamble to most Jewish blessings.....
"Baruch atah YHVH Elohenu melech haolam"
or "Blessed art thou O YHVH OUR Elohiym, King of the Universe ..."
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 The result of thankfulness given for past victories and blessings provides the faith to face present battles in life. This was literally so here.....
Deuteronomy 20:1
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 Of course, supplication, that is personal requests, have a role in Eastern prayers, but do not assume the place of dominance they do in our own. Most of the Psalms emphasize God's glory and great deeds, even when making requests of Him.....
Psalm 22:19-24
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 The major problem, for Jews and Gentiles alike, is we are keener on talking than listening in our prayers. The more disobedient and self-centered we become the less likely we are to listen to what God wants to say to us. For genuine prayer is a two way interaction, us speaking to God, and God speaking to us.
In the Old Testament.....
Isaiah 55:1-3
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May we learn to become as one with our Master and Lord.
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| SOME SPIRITUAL IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY |
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 1. Prayer is a participatory, not a spectator, activity, even when done in groups.
2. Prayer is to be an ongoing regular, and spontaneous, part of our daily lives.
3. Prayer is not a religious exercise, cased in flowery words, but a simple two way conversation between us and God.
4. We need to adore, confess, and give thanks to God, as well as make our requests known to Him.
5. We need to listen to, and obey Him, when He speaks to us.
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| <i>NEXT WEEK:</i> THINKING GREEK OR HEBREW continues..... |
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 ..... looking at LOVE AND HATE
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| A NOTE FROM DAVID |
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 Prayer is not all about ME but primarily about HIM! The word tells us that He knows what we want before we ask for it!
Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. (Matthew 6:8)
Amen.
IMAGES AND ART: Jerusalem
Jewish Quarter
Golden Menorah
Constructed by the Temple Institute and based on extensive research, this golden menorah is appropriate for use in the Third Temple. Over two meters in height and plated with 43 kg (95 lbs) of gold, this menorah is the first such constructed since the destruction of the Temple. This menorah is on display in the Jewish Quarter.
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So until next week.......
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD!
His servant and yours
Learn more about us at...
www.wwj.org.nz/about.php
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A DAVID'S DOODLING
970. Prayer is not about I but about hIm.
David Tait
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Check
out the WWJ website for….
More David's Doodlings: www.wwj.org.nz/dd.php
Marriage and Family Facts: http://www.wwj.org.nz/maffacts.php
Just jokes: http://www.wwj.org.nz/jokes.php
Waxing Lyrical: http://www.wwj.org.nz/waxing.php
If Only I'd Thought of it: http://www.wwj.org.nz/thought.php
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…..and in the New.....