Yesterday we found that Jesus’ instructions on prayer are imperatives, not suggestions.  How do we pray with the continual urgency he commands?

We look upon prayer as a means of getting things for ourselves; the Bible's idea of prayer is that we may get to know God himself."  How can we know our Father more fully, by praying more effectively?

We live in the most hectic, fast-paced, stressed-out culture in history.  Our society is changing more rapidly than ever before.  Sociologists speak of these days as "whitewater" times. 

We've been discussing this week the controversy surrounding the Beijing Olympics and the torch.  One lesson we learn from China's continued attempts to control the Dalai Lama and Tibetan Buddhism is that governments cannot govern the soul. 

Global controversy over the Beijing Olympics has resulted, as protests have followed the torch on its journey to China.  Much of the storm centers in China's perceived oppression of Tibet and the exiled Dalai Lama.  So, what is a Dalai Lama?

It's always best to let people tell their own story, so I'll summarize the biography on the Dalai Lama's website. 

Who is the Dalai Lama?  Where and what is Tibet?  Why is China so mad at them?  Why are so many nations mad at China?  And why does this controversy matter to you today?

Do you need to say to the Lord and Master of all creation, "save!"? If you do, you must add Peter's last word. You must say to Jesus, "Lord, save me!" You must admit that you cannot save yourself. You cannot create for yourself a life of significance, purpose, or joy, any more than Peter could walk on water without Christ.

Peter, drowning on the Sea of Galilee, called to the Mighty God of Christmas in the shortest prayer in the Bible: "Lord, save me!" (Matthew 14:30). By calling Jesus his "Lord," the desperate fisherman made him his Master. So should we.

We're learning how the Mighty God of Christmas can be our strength and help today. When Peter was drowning on the Sea of Galilee, he cried the same prayer you and I can pray: "Lord, save me!" (Matthew 14:30). Study his words with me for a moment.