“The first thing I want you to do is pray.  Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.” 1 Timothy 2:1 (Message)

Those words spoke clearly to me this morning.  The best way to love and serve others is to pray first thing.  Paul taught his young protegé to trust God with the needs and cares of community he served.  Prayer is good conversation with God, good study for the pulpit, good pastoral care for the congregation and good citizenship for the community.  The first thing!

Prayer is also staying out of a rut.  How many ways do you know how to pray?

I grew up in a faith community that did not appreciate written prayers or prayer books like the Book of Common Prayer.  Many times the comments were made, “I don’t use a dead written prayer.”  From my reading of the Scriptures however, prayers do not die.  They live and linger before the throne of God, like incense.

The prayers of Paul, David, and our Lord Jesus Christ have been faithful teachings to help me learn to pray in different ways.

For everyone, my family, my brothers ins sisters in Christ, my friends, my neighbors, my leaders, and even my enemies I will pray.  It’s the first thing I will do.

Peace and Joy!