Our Blog

The Shapes and Sizes of Prayer: Multiple Forms of Communication with God: Part 1

In part one of our 3 part discussion, we will begin our investigation into the diverse range of prayer forms and types that are embraced and practiced within the Christian community. We'll explore the various ways in which Christians engage in heartfelt communication with the divine, enriching their spiritual journeys through a multitude of prayerful expressions.

The Prayer of Guidance

Purpose: The prayer of guidance seeks God's wisdom and direction in making decisions and choices in life.
Scripture References: James 1:5, Psalm 121:2, Proverbs 1:5

The Prayer of Confession

Also Called: The Prayer of Repentance, The Prayer of Penitence, The Prayer of Contrition
Purpose: Confessional prayer is when individuals humbly confess their sins and shortcomings before God, seeking forgiveness and cleansing through His grace.
Scripture References: Psalm 51, Luke 18:13, Daniel 9:4-19, 1 John 1:9

The Prayer of Healing

Also Called: The Prayer for Health, The Prayer for Comfort, The Prayer for Restoration
Purpose: Praying for those (self or others) who are sick, hurting, or grieving, asking God to bring healing, comfort, and peace to their lives.
Scripture References: Jeremiah 17:14, James 5:14-15, Psalm 6:2, 3 John 1:2, Jeremiah 17:7-8 

Lamentation

Also Called: The Prayer of Sorrow, The Prayer of Despair
Purpose: The prayer of lament is an honest expression of sorrow, grief, or anguish before God, seeking comfort and hope in times of distress.
Scripture References: Job 3, Book of Lamentations, Psalm 4:1 

The Prayer for the Persecuted

Purpose: These prayers are targeted at lifting those facing persecution, asking for strength, protection, and justice.
Scripture References: Galatians 6:2, Romans 12:15

The Prayer of Hearkening 

Also Called: The Prayer of Listening, Listen for God’s Voice
Purpose: The prayer of hearkening involves taking time to quiet the heart and mind, being receptive to God's voice and guidance through His Spirit.
Scripture References: 1 Samuel 3:1-18, 1 Kings 19:11-13, John 10:27, Isaiah 30:21

Family Prayer

Also Called: Household Prayer, Couples Prayer
Purpose: Family prayer involves gathering together as a family to pray, seeking God's guidance, blessings, and protection over each member and the family as a whole.
Scripture References: Acts 10:24-48, Joshua 24:15, Acts 1:14, Deuteronomy 11:18-19

Prayerful Journaling

Purpose: Write down your prayers in a journal, creating a record of your thoughts, emotions, daily blessings, and conversations with God.
Scripture References: Many of the songs and poems in the Book of Psalms are examples of prayerful journaling. 

The Continuous Prayer

Also Called: Pray Always
Purpose: Continual prayer is an ongoing, constant awareness of God's presence throughout the day. It involves maintaining an attitude of prayer and staying connected to God in every circumstance.
Scripture References: Romans 12:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Luke 18:1

The Shared Prayer

Purpose: Involves praying with others, such as friends, neighbors, or participating in prayer groups. 
Scripture References: Matthew 18:20, Acts 4:23-31

The Prayer of Joy and Celebration

Purpose: Pray with a heart full of joy and celebrate God's blessings and goodness in your life.
Scripture References: Psalm 126:2-3, Psalm 100:1-2, Colossians 1:12

The Nature Prayer

Purpose: Connecting with God through the beauty and serenity of nature, offering praise and gratitude for His creation.
Scripture References: Psalm 96:11-12, Psalm 33:5, Psalm 19:1

The Prayer of Silver Linings

Purpose: Offering gratitude for the challenges and trials in life, recognizing their potential for growth, resilience, and drawing closer to God.
Scripture References: Romans 8:28, James 1:12, James 1:2-4, Hebrews 12:11

The Prayer for Unity

Purpose: This prayer involves seeking God's intervention to heal divisions, reconcile differences, strengthen the bonds of love and fellowship among individuals or groups, and bring people together in harmony.
Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 1-10, John 17:20-23, 1 Timothy 2:8

To End

Each type of prayer serves a unique purpose and allows individuals to approach God in different ways. Individuals may find that different forms of prayer resonate with them at different times in their spiritual journey. Learning about the different types of prayer can profoundly enrich one's spiritual life, providing a diverse toolkit for drawing closer to God, experiencing His presence, and navigating life's journey with faith and purpose.

- Torrance Church of Christ

The Art of Discernment

In a rapidly changing world filled with diverse opinions and conflicting principles, discernment becomes an indispensable compass for Christians seeking to live a life that fits God's will. We will explore the significance of discernment as a guiding principle, empowering believers to make wise decisions, distinguish truth from deception, and deepen their spiritual walk with God.

Traits and Features of Discernment 

Rooted in wisdom, humility, and prayerfulness, discernment draws from a deep knowledge of God's Word, a spirit-filled life, and a disciplined mind to thoughtfully maneuver through trials and adversity with keen perception in accordance with God’s volition. Insight into the various traits and features that consolidate discernment can expand the development and efficiency of which you use it. 

Wisdom: Wisdom is the foundational trait of discernment. It involves the ability to apply knowledge and understanding to real-life situations and make righteous decisions. Proverbs 3:21-24: My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
Prioritizing God's Favor over Man’s: Rather than succumbing to societal pressures or seeking validation from others, discernment involves aligning one's choices with God's will, acknowledging His authority, and seeking to please Him above all else, even if it means going against popular opinions or expectations. 1 Corinthians 10:27-28: If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience. But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, both for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience.
Unconditional Love: Discernment is not about harsh judgment but about understanding and love. Romans 14:1-3: Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. 
The Fruit of the Spirit: Discernment involves evaluating whether the traits that make up the Fruit of the Spirit are evident in a person's life. Galatians 5:22-23: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Keeping the Right Company: Surrounding yourself with others who continually live out God's will encourages understanding and application of discernment in real-life situations by guarding against individual biases or blind spots, enabling a more well-rounded and spiritually-grounded discernment practice. Proverbs 27:17: As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
A Disciplined Mind: Discernment requires a disciplined mind that can think critically and evaluate situations with conscientious wisdom. Romans 12:2: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Prayerfulness: Maintain discernment by seeking God in prayer and ask Him for his guidance. Psalm 119:125: I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.
Practice: Discernment is not a one-time event but a skill that requires continuous practice. Just like any skill, discernment improves over time as you consistently exercise it. Hebrews 5:14: But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
Humility: A discerning person recognizes their need for God’s guidance and does not rely solely on their own understanding. Proverbs 28:11: The rich are wise in their own eyes; one who is poor and discerning sees how deluded they are.
Alertness: Discernment requires spiritual alertness to recognize potential deception or false teachings. 2 Corinthians 11:12-14: And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about. For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.
Knowledge of God's Word: Discernment involves a deep understanding of God's Word, the Bible. Proverbs 8:8-9: All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse. To the discerning all of them are right; they are upright to those who have found knowledge.
Accountability: Discerning individuals are more likely to hold themselves accountable for their actions. Proverbs 15:31: Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.
Self-control: Those who utilize discernment are able to resist impulsive reflexes that cause contention. Proverbs 15:28: The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

Discernment is Not Judgment

In John 7:24, Jesus instructs: “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 2:15, Paul states: “The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things.” But in Matthew 7:1-2, we read: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” 

A bit confusing, huh? The confusion comes from the fact that discernment and judgment are closely related, with a very fine line separating them. 

James 3:13-17 sheds some light on the distinction: “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”

As you can see, the key difference between judgment and discernment lies in the motives and approach. The chart below provides insight through comparison: 

In Short

Discernment is essential for knowing and aligning with God's will for your life. It calls for a balanced approach to evaluate situations and others. As you practice discernment, you learn to discern between your own desires, worldly influences, and God's purposes. Regular application of discernment allows you to recognize the subtle movements of the spirit by becoming attuned to the divine promptings. It’s like fine-tuning your spiritual ears to hear God’s voice amidst the noise of the world. It will prevent you from making hasty decisions by enabling you to identify misleading and deceptive influences in your life. It requires humility, seeking God's help, and being open to correction. Ultimately, discernment contributes to a life marked by an unwavering commitment to God’s truth. We encourage you to practice discernment so you are able to use this decisive tool to navigate life's complications and grow in spiritual maturity.

- Torrance Church of Christ

Shine Bright and Flavor the World

During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus brought up the concepts of being the “salt of the earth” and “the light of the world,” both of which accentuate the values and practicalities of Christian living. As followers of Christ, we are called to live our lives as a testament to God's love, grace, and truth. Join us on this journey of understanding what it means to be the salt that preserves, enhances, and positively influences those around us, and the light that shines amidst the darkness, guiding others towards the source of hope and eternal life. 

Enhancing Flavor & Preserving Goodness 

Matthew 5:13:  “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” 

In this passage, Jesus uses a metaphor to teach His disciples about their role as the salt of the earth, but what does it mean to be the salt of the earth? Let’s break down the implications of the symbolism. 
+Preservation and Flavor: Salt was essential in ancient times for preserving food and enhancing its flavor. Similarly, as the salt of the earth, Christians are called to have a preserving influence in the world by upholding Godly values, morals, and principles. Your reputation and example should hinder those around you from decaying morally and spiritually.
+Positive Influence: Just as salt brings out the best taste in food, Christians are meant to bring out the best in people and situations. Their lives and actions should serve as a positive influence, guiding others toward righteousness, love, and compassion.
+Distinctive Character: Salt has a distinct taste and stands out from other ingredients. Likewise, Christians are called to stand out in society by their character, reflecting the qualities of Christ, such as love, humility, and forgiveness.
+Perseverance in Trials: Salt was used as a symbol of covenantal faithfulness in the Old Testament. As the salt of the earth, Christians are called to remain faithful and steadfast in their commitment to God, even in times of trials and challenges.
+Avoid Loss of Effectiveness: Jesus warns about salt losing its saltiness, which was practically impossible in His time, but He uses it to emphasize the importance of Christians maintaining their distinctiveness and influence. If you compromise your faith or blend in with the world, you risk losing your effectiveness in bringing about positive change.

Basically, to be "the salt of the earth" means to have a positive and transformative influence on the world around you. Just as salt enhances the flavor of food and preserves it from spoiling, being the salt of the earth implies being a force for good, bringing positive change, and preserving moral values.

Being a Beacon of Light That Shines Amidst the Darkness 

Matthew 5:14-16: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Continuing His sermon, Jesus uses another metaphor, instructing His followers to “be the light of the world.” Even though the meaning of this metaphor is plainly expressed, we will briefly dissect it.  
+Illumination and Revelation: Light is essential for dispelling darkness and revealing what is hidden. As the light of the world, Christians are called to bring spiritual illumination and reveal the truth of God's love, grace, and teachings to those living in spiritual darkness.
+Guidance and Direction: Light guides and shows the way in darkness. In the same way, Christians are meant to provide guidance and direction for others, leading them toward God and His truth through their actions and righteous living.
+Distinctive Influence: Light stands out in the darkness and is unmistakable. Similarly, Christians are called to be distinct in their conduct, showcasing the love of Christ and making a noticeable impact in the world through their compassion, kindness, and grace.
+Exposing Evil and Sin: Light exposes what is hidden in the darkness. As the light of the world, Christians are meant to confront and expose evil and sin, both in society and in their own lives, and to bring them into the light of God's truth and forgiveness.
+Bringing Hope: Light is a symbol of hope, dispelling despair and bringing comfort. Christians, as the light of the world, are meant to be a source of hope and encouragement, especially during challenging times, offering the assurance of God's love and presence.
+Multiplying Influence: Light spreads and multiplies, illuminating other areas. Likewise, Christians are called to spread the light of Christ's love, inspiring and influencing others to follow Him and become lights themselves.
+Reflecting Christ: Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, Christians are called to reflect the light of Christ, being His representatives and pointing others towards Him.

Overall, the metaphor of being the light of the world stresses the crucial role of Christians in bringing illumination, guidance, and hope to a world shrouded in darkness. 

Embracing the Call

Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

As you can see, in essence, both expressions encourage Christians to live a life of virtue, kindness, and compassion, and to use their influence and actions to positively impact others and the world they live in. You also may have noticed that becoming salt and light is a hefty responsibility. Below we will explore various ways you can actively pursue the call. 
+Acts of Kindness: Engage in random acts of kindness, such as helping a neighbor, volunteering at a local charity, or assisting someone in need.
+Live with Integrity: Maintain moral principles and let your actions align with your beliefs. 
+Stand for Truth: Speak up for what is right and just, even in challenging situations. Let your words reflect the truth and wisdom found in the Bible.
+Study the Bible: Regularly study the Bible to deepen your understanding of God's word and how to apply it to your life.
+Show Love and Compassion: Demonstrate genuine care and empathy towards others, regardless of their background or circumstances. Love your neighbor as yourself.
+Engage in Prayer: Pray for others and their needs, seeking God's guidance and comfort for those facing challenges.
+Be a Good Listener: Offer a listening ear and emotional support to those going through challenging times, showing empathy and understanding.
+Speak Encouraging Words: Use positive and uplifting language to inspire and encourage others, spreading hope and optimism.
+Live humbly: Avoid arrogance and pride, recognizing that your purpose is to glorify God and not yourself.
+Be a Peacemaker: Seek to resolve conflicts and promote harmony among people. Strive for reconciliation and forgiveness.
+Share the Gospel: Proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ through both words and actions. Be willing to share your faith when appropriate and invite others to experience God's love.
+Support the Vulnerable: Extend care and support to the marginalized, such as the poor, the sick, or the oppressed, advocating for justice on their behalf.
+Set a Positive Example: Be a role model for others by displaying integrity, kindness, and love in all your interactions.
+Serve others: Look for opportunities to help and serve those in need. Volunteer for charitable organizations, support your community and be a source of comfort and assistance to those facing challenges.
+Live Ethically: Make conscious choices in daily life that align with Christian values, such as being environmentally responsible or promoting fair trade practices.
+Be Thankful: Cultivate a spirit of gratitude and thankfulness, expressing appreciation to others and to God for His blessings.

Living as the salt and the light is not about grand gestures but about consistently embodying Christ's love and letting His presence shine through with small and meaningful acts of everyday life. 

Outcomes of Embodying the Metaphors

Ephesians 5:8-13: For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible–and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 

When you fervently strive to epitomize what it means to live as the salt and light, undoubtedly, you will be met with an abundance of blessings. 

Being the salt and light means actively serving and caring for others. When you listen to, support, encourage, guide, and serve others, you can instill hope, optimism, and comfort in them. Your character invites others to come to you when they are struggling or facing challenges, it shapes and empowers you to serve more effectively. The empathy, kindness, mercy, and compassion you demonstrate will be integrated into who you are. You become a person of trust, a person who provides direction, and a person who supplies endless encouragement and support. You will be living out your faith, truly following the commandment to love your neighbor, while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. 

The influence of your actions, words, and character will not go unnoticed. You are serving as a witness to God’s will and love. This can draw others to inquire about the source of your hope and joy, providing opportunities to share the Gospel. Sharing the Truth is in accordance with the mission of “making disciples of all nations,” discussed in Matthew 28:19-20. Your efforts may have lasting effects, impacting not only the present but also preparing yourself and others for eternal salvation. 

But your example doesn’t stop there. It can be far-reaching, impacting the lives of more people than you may realize. When you continually live according to God’s principles, you contribute to making the world a better place, a more moral place, one filled with love, kindness, and truth. Your example promotes positive changes in the people around you, motivating them to embrace goodness, reconciliation, and compassion. Those people can then be an inspiration to another, and another. Before you know it, your influence has led to a chain reaction, one that endorses unity and allows mankind as a whole to become more harmonious and loving.

Not only will you be a witness to your faith for others, but you will also witness God’s work firsthand. Recognizing God working through you can bring you immense peace and joy. When you understand that your actions can make a difference and contribute to the greater good, you find a sense of purpose and meaning in your life. By fostering a life of love, humility, and sacrifice, you warrant your personal and spiritual growth to bloom. As your faith grows, you develop a deeper relationship with God. 

Finally, Jesus is referred to as the Light of the World, and as such, it is our duty to strive to emulate His teachings and character. By being the light, you mirror Christ's love, forgiveness, and selflessness to others, taking the form of a representative and ambassador of His compassion by allowing His presence shine through you. It is the ultimate opportunity to glorify and honor Him.

Living as the salt and light of the earth is both a privilege and a responsibility. By living out our faith in practical ways, showing kindness, compassion, and righteousness, we can positively impact those around us and be a source of hope and guidance to a world in need. It is a way to actively participate in God's redemptive plan for humanity and to impact the world positively with His love and truth. 

Final Remarks

Clearly, embracing the call to be the salt and light of the world is not merely an option but a profound responsibility for every follower of Christ. As believers, we are entrusted with the privilege of positively influencing our surroundings, preserving God’s purpose, and illuminating the darkness with the truth of His love and grace. By living as the salt and light, we embody Christ's teachings and become powerful agents of change in a world hungering for hope and goodness. Our actions, words, and character can create a ripple effect, touching hearts, and leading others towards the eternal source of light. Let us, therefore, embrace this divine mission with passion and determination, for by doing so, we fulfill our purpose of bringing glory to God and making a lasting impact on the lives of those around us. Together, let our collective efforts shine brightly, and may our commitment to being the salt and light illuminate the path for others to find their way to His grace.

- Torrance Church of Christ