I have been thinking as I have fumbled about my small farmette quite a bit about the topic of how I approach God. This is a shift in the way I have thought about prayer and worship. For many years I was glad to think about prayer methods and pray forms, as well as, God’s role in prayer - but lately…

I am thinking that our approach to prayer and more importantly our approach to the Person of our prayers is worthy of my consideration. As I have thought about this, I began to think it would be a worthy topic for this blog. So I will be posting some short (or maybe shorter) thoughts on this idea. I am not a golfer - but I know the “approach shot” is critical to beating or making par. I am not a pilot - but the approach to the runway… well it goes without saying. I am a husband and a father - and the way I approach my daughter or my wife makes a difference between tears and a cold shoulder or a smile and hug. So, I think it is with our Creator and Redeemer. So - On the Approach - first take:

Our Approach is Communal:

“He who has not the Church as there Mother, has not God as there Father.” Cyprian

As I approach God I have been thinking that it is important to know that I don’t come alone. Although I may be alone (as Jesus put it - “shut in my closet”) yet, I have been taught to pray, “Our Father,” “Give us” and “Forgive us.” All plural phrases (Mt. 6.6-ff)… I also keep in mind that reference from the author of Hebrews who reminds us that there is a “cloud of witnesses” about us as we pursue our faith (He 12.1,2).

So as I approach God communally it reminds me:
1. It is not about me. There is little room for independence (my way; my wants; my demands or my ‘best interest’) - but acres of area for interdependence.
2. God’s story and mission involves and is big enough to embrace me - but it is not merely for me or featuring me.
3. Prayer involves interceding on behalf of others.
4. Prayer places me in community and incorporates me into God and the Body of Christ. As I approach God communally I find my identity and my purposes in the midst of the Trinity and God’s body - the Church.
5. I don’t come before God alone; I am joined by Saints living and asleep and with Jesus and the Spirit of God on my behalf.

Some recent thoughts on our approach… we approach God in a communal manner and there find communion.