Oh, And One Other Thing....

Matthew 6
7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

As to a Christian's responsibility for praying, Jesus does not ask for much. His directions are simple and straightforward. But, for me, something is missing? It strikes me as odd that the Lord's prayer does not include a mention of family. For me, before an Amen, it seems exactly appropriate to ask a blessing for a family member in need.  And then, Amen.

Matthew 10
34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
36 And a man's foes [shall be] they of his own household.
37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

There are many important relationships in a Christian's life, the relationship between a Christian and his God, between a Christian and his family, between a Christian and his church and between a Christian and his community.  All these relationships are important and holy.  But we can't forget, the relationship between the Christian and his God is foremost.