http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBxoqZ_GlE8
During my confirmation process in the Catholic Church in 8th grade, I studied the Lord’s prayer, also known as the Our Father. According to author Dr. Mark Rutland, it takes the average person 21 seconds to pray this prayer. After twenty years of using the Lord’s prayer as a foundation for prayer, Dr. Rutland believes that you can change your world if individuals begin to devote 21 seconds to prayer daily.
“This, then, is how you should pray: “ ’Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,” Matthew 6:9-10.
Keeping a journal during this extended period, Mark began to see the impact Jesus’ words had on his prayer life. Gradually, his heart, soul and mind were transformed by this basic, yet powerful prayer outline inspiring his book 21 Seconds to Change Your World. While the average person struggles to pay attention or remain focused, 21 seconds is less than most commercials on television. Therefore, why not make a resolution for 2016 to commit 21 seconds to prayer each day.
Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one, Matthew 6:11-13.
Even when people draw near to God, prayer can be foreign to many. Feeling asleep on my pillow in college was a nightly tradition, not getting far before I dosed off. However, 21 seconds is realistic, a good starting point for novice prayers. Therefore, I don’t have a good excuse to say I was too busy, didn’t feel well or was too tired. Rather, now is a great time to start 2016 off on the right foot with 21 seconds to pray.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 