Place Of Prayer!

As Christians, should we be known as a praying people? I believe so. The wisdom of having placed our trust more in God than in ourselves or others should be evident in the manner in which we live. When it comes to praying, I find it quite interesting that even some who won't attend services at any church will still ask me to pray for either themselves or family members when there are challenges going on in their life. Though I do not pray for show or to draw attention to myself, I am glad to be recognized as one who prays to God. The thing about life challenges is they seem to either draw people to God or away from Him; some seeking God's help while others blaming Him for the evil others have brought into this world. My prayer is always for such situations to wake people up and turn their attention toward the need for God and the acceptance of His Will.

Because of those who liked drawing attention to themselves for their frequency of prayer and lengthy prayers (i.e. Matthew 6:7) -- prayers for show ( Matthew 6:5) -- Jesus mentioned going behind the closed door of a CLOSET or ROOM ( Matthew 6:6) to pray. Praying in secret is still heard by God. Having a place to pray without distraction is a good thing. However, we should guard against secret prayer making us into secret Christians; indistinguishable from the rest of the world. It is the attitude, not the place or always being in private that is to be considered. The Scriptures contain examples of both private and public prayers as well as ones that were long and short.

When Paul was in Philippi, we find him praying in at least two specific places. The first was after having been there a few days where we read. . .

"(13) And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate TO THE RIVERSIDE, where we supposed there was A PLACE OF PRAYER, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together." ( Acts 16:13 ESV)

Not only did they find a place for prayer, but also the opportunity to teach some women, from which arose the conversion of Lydia and her household. (vs.14-15) Paul and those with him (which according to Acts 15:40 and Acts 16:1-3 included Silas and Timothy, and also Luke who traveled with Paul and wrote this account) enjoyed Lydia's hospitality. ( Acts 16:15). It appears they returned to "THE PLACE OF PRAYER" ( Acts 16:16) again as their teaching in Philippi continued.

Eventually Paul and Silas were put in a Philippians jail ( Acts 16:24) where we read. . .

"(25) About midnight PAUL AND SILAS WERE PRAYING AND SINGING HYMNS TO GOD, and the prisoners were listening to them." ( Acts 16:25 ESV)

Here events occurred which gained the attention of the Philippian jailer ( Acts 16:26-29), and ultimately provided opportunity for he and his household to hear the gospel of Jesus and be baptized. ( Acts 16: 30-33) Perhaps not the inner place one would like to choose for prayer, but where it occurred anyway.

Paul found A PLACE FOR PRAYER by A RIVER and in A JAIL. Both those places of prayer also provided opportunity for others to be taught. When prayer is vital part of our life it will occur in many different places. And whether it be verbal or nonverbal, alone or with others, we have a God Who is attentive to what is going on in our life. May we rejoice in the opportunity for prayer anyplace and anytime, not as a show for others, but because of our abiding relationship with God as we walk through life's varying experiences.

Have a great day RECOGNIZING PRAYER'S PLACE FOR ANY TIME AND PLACE!
Carl

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