Transformed Living: Prayer

A great adventure unfolds when we discover the freedom, promise, and rewards that
come with committing ourselves to a closer relationship with God through the treasures
of prayer, presence, gifts, and service -- the treasures of a transformed life. With that in
mind, West Des Moines United Methodist Church has made this the theme for our
stewardship campaign. This past Sunday, Pastor Jen spoke about the first treasure -- the
importance of prayer and standing in the gap. Ezekiel 22:30 gives us that thought as God
says, "I looked for anyone to repair the wall and stand in the gap for me on behalf of the
land, so I wouldn't have to destroy it. But I couldn't find anyone." Pastor Jen shared with
us that sometimes our view of prayer is too narrow. Prayer makes a difference. In the
scripture God is looking for someone -- anyone -- to stand in the gap for a city. But found
no one. What is prayer? It's a conversation with God. It's talking. And it's listening. Now
talking is easier, and we seem to be good at that. Whereas listening is harder; it's tiring;
and we're not so good at this. With listening there may be silence, and we're not
comfortable with that. It's hard. But it doesn't mean God isn't talking. Nor does it mean
we should stop trying to listen. If we want to be involved with what God is doing, we
need to listen to, and for, God. God wants us to stand in the gap. There's a concept called
social penetration theory. Part of it has to do with friends and self-disclosure. Not only
thoughts and ideas, but who we really are. As a conversation goes further, the more we
open up and share. One friend shares something about themselves and the other responds
with something about themselves at the same level. And through conversation with God
we learn more about God and we change. Prayer bridges the gap between today's reality
and the future we want or the way things need to be. We stand in the gap between now
and the future, between the rich and the poor, between hope and despair. Prayer is a
treasure to be valued. It's a discipline we need practice. Because God is looking for
someone like us to take a stand.

Gene Kelsey, Director of Christian Education