What is Prayer?
Prayer is like the bud of a flower holding the mystery of the beauty and maturity of a blessed relationship.
Prayer is more than a list of concerns; it is the beginning of humility and trust in the Lord God, the Creator of the Universe. Prayer recognizes the Awe of our Lord, our God as Our Father in Heaven.
Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, who do his just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the anger of the Lord. Zechariah 2:3.
We will not pray our adoration and praise to God until we realize our weakness and frailty in this life. We often are at a loss for what to pray and how to pray and the words cannot convey our deep longings.
For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And He who searches hearts knows what is in the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27.
A young boy went outside on the prairie of Kansas to fly his new kite. He learned much more than joy in flying a kite. Disappointed in the still day, with no wind, he prayed to God for wind so he could enjoy his kite. Not even a light breeze tugged at his shirt. He prayed again, “Dear God if you won’t send wind so I can fly my kite, I will never pray again.” He was shocked at the silence and the feeling of being lost and alone. He learned that day what life would be without our Father in Heaven. He quickly prayed again. Still, no wind came. Yet, he rejoiced, for he knew God became His Savior once more.
Praying is learning to depend and trust in our Lord God and not on ourselves. God is the ultimate authority on earth and Heaven.
Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. On Him, we have set our hope that He will deliver us again. 2 Corinthians 1:9-10.
Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” Galatians 3:12.
How and when should we pray? Rejoice always pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. I Thessalonians 5:16-18.
As a child, it seemed impossible to pray without ceasing. When there isn’t time to go into a closet, to kneel, to fold our hands, close our eyes, to pray. I have learned that when we know from Psalm 1; We meditate day and night.
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law, he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:1-3.
When our heart is constantly thinking about the Word of God, we will hunger and thirst for more. Praying becomes a relationship with our Lord. The deeper it grows, the more we see His purposes and the beauty for us in His Abiding Love. Jesus taught His Disciples to pray…
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day 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 evil.” Matthew 6:9-13.
How shall I pray? What is my desire in life? To be like Jesus, my Savior. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23.
Awareness of all these attributes, the Fruit of the Holy Spirit, is a part of the whole and can be the basis for prayer.
Sunday. Spiritual Revelation –Love, Joy, Peace.
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39.
Monday. Guidance from the Holy Spirit – Patience.
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26.
Tuesday. Desire to live a holy life – Kindness.
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14.
Wednesday. Pray for favor in serving people – Goodness.
But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:4-5.
Thursday. Unity in relationships – Faithfulness.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end. Lamentations 3:22.
Friday. Sharing the Love of Jesus – Gentleness.
Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. I Timothy 6:11b.
Saturday. Family – Self-Control.
The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. I Peter 4:7.
(Adapted from Becoming a Prayer Warrior by Elizabeth Alves.)
Comments? eacombs@att.net