5th April, 2000 Thoughts on the need to pray. I've been watching a few TV shows lately, after a break of nearly four years. It's surprising what you notice when you've been away from something for a while. One thing that's really hit me is the high level of alcohol consumption by the average person in a TV show. It's really noticeable. I'll leave the debate about the wisdom of that to others (but personally I think it is highly irresponsible of adults to promote the idea that we can only relax by consuming alcohol!) My purpose in mentioning it is to make quite a different point: we need to rely on God more. You might think that is a sweeping statement, but I don't think I've ever met anyone who I could honestly say was depending on God as fully as Jesus did, so I believe we all have room for growth in that area... some more than others, admittedly. You've all seen it - have you ever noticed how often people on TV dramas say something to the effect of, "I need a drink"? And then everyone heartily agrees and they all go off to the pub, or bring out the bottle and pour the drinks. In years past I have seen it in real life, too - but in that context it has been coffee and tea that the 'addicts' are craving! My own personal weakness is for water! Not very koala-like, I know, but I just can't seem to get enough of the stuff. (Koalas are renowned for their ability to go without water - apparently deriving enough moisture to satisfy them from gumleaves, would you believe!?) Years ago, while living in New Zealand, I met a nice person. She told me of some of her experiences with a certain religious group when she was going through a season of spiritual awakening. I was reminded of something she told me when I started thinking about this topic. (If you're hopelessly lost and can't remember what the topic is, it's... um... something about the need to pray... that's what the title says, anyway.) Whenever members of this religious group had a problem, they would say, "We need to do a Bible Study." This might sound admirable and wise at first hearing.... maybe, maybe not. Depends on your upbringing, I guess. The problem with that reasoning is not so much that it's not a good idea to study the Bible, but that the emphasis is on their ability to interpret the Bible correctly. Bible Study is good, wise, beneficial, deeply edifying... all those things and more! But it is best done as a regular habit, not in some desperate attempt to get help during a crisis. Oooh. I am getting into murky water here... Hang onto your thoughts on this for a second and let me continue, ok. When a crisis occurs, or even when we just have that "I need a drink" feeling, I reckon the first thing we should think, say or do is PRAY. Wouldn't it be great if we heard people on TV saying regularly and with feeling, "I need to pray!" And everyone would say, "What a great idea!", and they'd all lift their eyes to heaven and start pouring out their hearts to God!! You think I'm nuts? Well, how about we start in the church and see if it catches on there. I'm game. Are you?
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