[This reflection by Dennis Ginter was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 26/Apr/2026]
Two Sundays ago Martin introduced us to our series of teachings on prayer. He emphasised that prayer is communicating with God. But what kind of communication can we have with God (or anyone else for that matter) if we can’t be honest with each other?
Martin left us with three tips – the last one being ‘Keep it Up’! But what if I can’t even begin? For many personal reasons, many, if not all of us, have a picture of God which blocks us from approaching Him openly and honestly.
Each of us has our own experience with our earthly parents – from before we were born, through our early years, right up to the present. Without many, many hugs and lots of verbal affirmation our ability – and even our desire! – to be relaxed and open with them – and God – will inevitably be lacking.
As we continue through this Prayer Course series, one thing remains clear; it will inevitably prove disappointing if we can’t somehow ‘repent’ of our attitude towards God – to see Him as He really is! My picture of my heavenly Father is very different from what it once was. And the first BIG realisation is that He doesn’t wait for me to shape up before enjoying me!!
It’s worth going through WHATEVER it takes so that we can begin to pray as Jesus did: ‘Our FATHER’.
with blessings,
Dennis
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Last Sunday’s reflection: ’Twas The Time After Easter by David Makanjuola
Contributed by Dennis Ginter; © Dennis Ginter