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How to pray like a professional...

3/14/2015

2 Comments

 
                Do you remember the first time someone ask you to pray out loud?  I sure do.  It was Father’s day 1999, there was a big crowd at Faith Baptist Church in Louisa.   I was a newly converted 27 year old man that didn't know the difference from the Old Testament to the new…no kidding, I really was that dumb.  At the end of the service we were prompted to stand.  I immediately started to position myself directly behind the person in front of me, using him as a sort of camouflage.  I learned that trick early in my Christian walk, don’t be an easy target you know. One more thing I picked up while in Basic Training, avoid eye contact, especially with drill sergeants & preachers.  I gave every not so subtle clue that I had no interest in being called on what so ever.

My tactic had worked well up until this point.  The preacher said: “Lets bow our heads”. We all did.  I thought I was good to go.   Then he said: “Brother Castle, why don’t you dismiss us?”  My head sprung up like a jack in the box, our eyes locked as I brought my right hand up to my chest, pointing to myself & mouthed the word “Me” with the most confused look I could muster.  I was hoping there was another brother Castle that he was addressing.  My hopes were destroyed in a single motion. His head nodded in affirmation. 

Then it felt as if time stopped.  Second seemed like an eternity as I tried to find the right words.  I didn't really pay attention when others prayed, so there was no way I could just repeat what the last guy said.  I couldn't remember what the proper words were.  I didn't know how to sound like a Christian.

While the blood rushed to my feet & I felt faint, my legs and arms started to go numb & tingle.  There were several thoughts racing through my mind, could I say no?  Does anyone say no to this guy?  If I did say no, would I be shunned?  If I did pray & messed up would I get in trouble?  Maybe they would withdraw the right hand of fellowship…or worse, maybe I would have to pay one of those “tithes” I hear everyone grumbling about! I've got a baby at home!  I can’t afford another bill!

It would be great to tell you that I opened my mouth & the Holy Ghost filled it with the most eloquent & sanctified prayer that has ever been prayed.  I wish it was that easy sometimes.  Listen up all of you who are just starting out with this thing called Christianity, there is a lesson here.  In comparison to other prayers I had heard, I tanked.  I mean really…really tanked!  As I started speaking from an extremely dry mouth, my closing prayer was nothing more than a bunch of mumbled, barely audible words stringed together with long pauses and “Ums”.  I did remember “Amen” though.

After I was done & people started filing out, the preacher came to me & said “Sorry, I didn't know”.  Great.  More proof that I really sucked at this Christian thing.  Just to let you know I didn't end up passing out, nor did they kick me out or make me pay a “tithe”.   I think they felt sorry for me. 

Looking back on that experience I can’t help but to laugh.  I had no idea at the time God would eventually call me to preach.  I got a glimpse of the future in that very same church house a short time later when my wife Maggie told me she could see me preaching one day.  Really? Did you miss that prayer from Hades last week?  I sure do love her, she always sees the best in me.   

 That prayer was the first of many public prayers I have now prayed.  It may sound very strange, but I sometimes wonder if that wasn't the best prayer I have ever prayed.  I say that because I had not “Learned” to pray yet.  No formulas, no favorite scriptures to quote, no memorized words.  Just me & God & my open heart. 

Maybe I didn't fail after all.   Hope to see you soon!

Live for Christ,

Pastor Dan 

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2 Comments
Rocky link
3/14/2015 11:23:08 am

Love this thanks for sharing it,,,I mean it , awesome awesome

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Lisa
4/24/2015 07:33:26 am

Thank you for sharing your story! I have to pray in front of everyone tomorrow morning I'm so nervous because they have been praying forever and I've only begun my Christian walk. I pray the Holy Spirit will intervene! Thanks again for sharing!

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Prestonsburg Church of God 
202 University Drive
Prestonsburg, Kentucky