These notes were also taken during the 2009 Church Planting conference at Hakone. The speaker's name was Akira Mori.
The opening question put forth was how to influence people. This idea of influence led to the discussion of life transformation. The use of the word "change" was discouraged because of its completely neutral connotation. "Transformation" is about purposeful change into a new creation.
Transformation is also not limited to people but to all of creation.
When praying, pray as children of God. There is great need in Japan to know God as the perfect Father. God does not condemn us, therefore, as his children, we should not condemn others.
Prayer is being together with God, to turn our attention to him. Worship is at the core of our relationship with God. To worship was to fall prostrate. In such a position, people cannot see the one to whom they are worshiping. It is, therefore, total surrender. Allowing the one you worship to do what he wants with you.
Psalm 27:4-6
Hosea 6:3
Proverbs 3:6
These verses are about being in the presence of God and acknowledging his presence. Pray is about listening to God as much as talking. We keep our minds on the Lord, turning all thoughts into communication to him. When we do speak in our prayers, it should often be with thanksgiving and praise rather than just about asking for things, even good things.
And remember that we are Christ's ambassadors. We communicate what God would have us communicate. Our daily lives should be spent in prayer even as we walk. In this way, we can know what God wants to say through us.
The conclusion is that prayer is about God. Seeking him. Recognizing him. Listening to him. When we reach this goal, our lives will be more fulfilled. Pray, then, for the discipline to enter into such a prayer life.
God bless.
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