I continue to meet people who honestly admit that they do not fully understand the game of football. Now most of us would be surprised at this revelation, thinking that clearly everyone understands such a well-known popular past-time! Yet the reality is that some people watch the game without: really making sense out of all of the plays or the penalties; knowing what the individual referees are responsible for (why do they need so many?); knowing why there are so many coaches among the players; or why so many players stand around on the sideline dressed in their jerseys, without pads on, but don't look injured! There may also be some confusion about the various rules: is it the knee or elbow on the ground...or both, that stops the play; how many feet need to touch before it is a catch; does a touch-back come out to the 20 or 25 yard line...is that on a punt or kick-off; why can some guys grab with their hands but others try it and get a yellow hankie thrown at them; why do they call a safety when a safety tackles the QB in the end-zone; what about downs, conversions, PAT's, illegal touching?, huddle, snap, flea-flicker, swing-pass; and the list could continue...
I believe that prayer is similar in a way to football. It is easy to listen to it, talk about it, watch it, participate in it, and even like it, without understanding it. When we do not understand something well, we are at a distinct disadvantage when trying to explain it to others, enjoy it fully, engage in it, teach it, lead it, improve it, or simplify it. In other words, what does it take for our prayers to be more effective? Is it possible that many people who pray or those who would like to pray more than they do, might not understand what they should about prayer? Like football, is it simply easier not to ask the questions because we might be embarrassed for not knowing the answer? Could it be though, that the answers would actually lead one to a greater understanding of prayer or football, which would also open up greater enjoyment and appreciation on our part? I imagine the difficulty in recruiting for a class on "Becoming a Better Fan - Understanding Football Better"...would anyone attend? I have discovered that when people hang out with those who truly know the game of football and humbly share what they know, knowledge of the game is passed along, understanding increases, and appreciation for the game grows. Is it possible that it would be the same for prayer? Let's talk about prayer....
I believe that prayer is similar in a way to football. It is easy to listen to it, talk about it, watch it, participate in it, and even like it, without understanding it. When we do not understand something well, we are at a distinct disadvantage when trying to explain it to others, enjoy it fully, engage in it, teach it, lead it, improve it, or simplify it. In other words, what does it take for our prayers to be more effective? Is it possible that many people who pray or those who would like to pray more than they do, might not understand what they should about prayer? Like football, is it simply easier not to ask the questions because we might be embarrassed for not knowing the answer? Could it be though, that the answers would actually lead one to a greater understanding of prayer or football, which would also open up greater enjoyment and appreciation on our part? I imagine the difficulty in recruiting for a class on "Becoming a Better Fan - Understanding Football Better"...would anyone attend? I have discovered that when people hang out with those who truly know the game of football and humbly share what they know, knowledge of the game is passed along, understanding increases, and appreciation for the game grows. Is it possible that it would be the same for prayer? Let's talk about prayer....
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