What Is Prayer?
Prayer is the language of God. Prayer is our approach to God. Prayer is a conversation with God, especially His covenant partners. Prayer is the vital link between God and us. Prayer is our lifeline to God. The secret of a close relationship with God is to pray to Him earnestly each morning.
Dialogue is what is essential to prayer. Prayer makes a difference in what happens (James 4:2). Our understanding of prayer will correspond to our understanding of God. When God is seen as desiring to bless (James 1:5) and sovereignly free to respond to persons (Jonah 3:9), then prayer will be seen as dialogue with God. God will respond when we faithfully pursue this dialogue. Prayer will lead to a greater communion with God and a greater understanding of His will.
Prayer Is Appropriately Defined By The Hymnist
• Prayer is the soul’s sincere desire; uttered or unexpressed; the motion of a hidden fire; that trembles in the breast.
• Prayer is the burden of a sigh; the falling of a tear; the upward glancing of an eye; when none, but God is near.
• Prayer is the simplest form of speech; that infant lips can try; prayer the sublimest strains that reach; the Majesty on high.
• Prayer is the contrite sinner’s voice; returning from his ways; while angels in their songs rejoice; and cry. “Behold he prays!”
• Prayer is the Christian’s vital breath; the Christian’s native air; His watchword at the gates of death; He enters heaven with prayer.
• Saints in prayer appear as one; in word and deed and mind; while with the Father and His Son; sweet Fellowship they find.
• O Lord by whom we come to God; the Life, the Truth, the Way; the path of prayer Yourself have trod;
Lord, teach us how to pray. Amen!
Growing In Your Prayer Life
Prayer energises all you are and do. Christians whose lives made great impact were people of prayer. Nobody who has neglected prayer has grown spiritually. Prayer is as fundamental to life as oxygen. Even the disciples, who lived and walked with Jesus, said to Him: “Teach us to pray,” (Luke 11:1). When you consider the greatness of God and His transcendent majesty (Isaiah 6:1-5); it causes you to stop in silent awe that this same God listens to you when you pray, calls you by name (Isaiah 43:1; 45:3,4) and tells you that you are His friends (Jn 15:14,15; Lk 12:4), as Abraham (Jas 2:23). You must be open to God to speak to you in that “still small voice” (1 Kgs 19:12) or through the rush like a mighty wind (1Kgs 19:11). Be prepared to be overwhelmed by God, as you grow in your prayer life.
“Men ought to pray and not faint,” (Lk 18:1). “Pray without ceasing,” (1Thes 5:17).
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