Theology for Everybody: RomansSample

Lost and Found: Finding God’s Power

As I was growing up, my dad and brother were (and still are) car guys. What I mean is they liked to take older cars and repair and refurbish them. They have a particular affection for older Chevys that can go fast and sound loud. When working on older cars at our house, the key to getting one fired up for the first time was pouring a small amount of fuel directly into the carburetor to prime it. Then the entire motor would ignite and start running smoothly. For Christians, prayer is the fuel to prime our relationship with God and others.

Paul begins his lengthy letter to the Romans with prayer. He starts this way because the shortest distance between two people is prayer, and he has not even met these people yet. Thus, Paul knows the easiest way to bridge the distance and build a relationship is to pray for the Roman believers. In particular, he is thankful that the church in Rome is strong, healthy, and growing. Through these Roman believers, the gospel of Jesus Christ went from the most powerful city in the world to many other regions. As a church planting missionary, Paul wants to see their work continue, so he wants to visit and partner with them to plant more churches. Paul finishes his introduction with an unwavering and unashamed commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ so the Roman believers can know he is preaching the same message they are.

Here’s the big idea in this passage: start everything with prayer. Prayer is simply how we talk to God. (The Word of God is how He talks to us.) We can pray in a variety of ways. My oldest daughter is an artist who creates visual prayer requests to God through watercolor scenes in her Bible. We can write prayers in a journal. Some prayer can be silent; after all, God knows our thoughts. We can speak prayers aloud because God hears our words. We can also pray through song. When God’s people sing together, they pray in one voice unto the Lord.

Prayer can also occur at a variety of times. When Paul says he prays “without ceasing,” he presents his life as an example of conversational prayer. Most businesses are only open at certain hours each day, but heaven is always open. A customer service call may put us on interminable hold, but God is always ready and available to hear and answer our prayers. No matter where we are, or the time of day, our Father loves us and wants to hear from us.

If you’re puzzled about increasing your prayer life, then Paul gives the key: start with thankful prayers. That is what I have always told my children. Before bringing pains and problems, needs and nags, start by talking to God about His blessings and benefits. Once you begin recognizing God’s presence and provision in your life, and you routinely stop to say thanks throughout the day, you will cultivate a greater attitude of gratitude for what God has done and develop more faith in what He will do next.

Prayer will build your relationship with God and others. It will give you God’s heart for people and clarify His will for your life. Part of prayer is asking God for His vision for your life. If you want provision from God, then you first need to receive the vision of God. When you’re doing what God has told you, He will help you do it.

Today’s Reflection

What can you tell God you are thankful for right now?