Praying Always

Prayer is a humble expression of trust and union with God. The very desire of his child’s heart is the essence of prayer, Romans 10:1. Make that desire audible!

The way Jesus prayed in public is very different from the way he prayed in private.  Compare John 11:41-42 and John 17.  It is not just the differing length of the two different prayers, but it is also the personal honesty in his personal prayer and the public aim of the public prayer. We need to follow the example of Jesus, especially since prayer was the most common spiritual activity Jesus employed. If The Lord needed prayer, how much more do we need prayer? 1st Ths. 5:17. Jesus prayed more often than he sang, but many Christians sing more than they pray, what is wrong? Jesus was devoted to prayer and we are not, Col. 4:2. No one can talk too much to God and say enough.

Prayer is more than communication with God, it is a privileged access into benefits unimaginable, Hebrews 4:16.  There are fewer things in this life which give more joy, than to experience God’s increase, wisdom & blessings through practicing effectual fervent prayer. James 5:16.  The apostles spent days in prayer, before they preached for 30 minutes, experiencing 3000 souls being added to God’s church. Acts 2.

For Jesus, prayer was often used as a way to prepare for work.  He began his ministry with prayer, Luke 3:21. Before he selected his twelve closest disciples he prayed, Luke 6:12. Before his crucifixion he prayed, Mat. 26:36-42. It is recorded that he prayed early in the morning before sunrise, Mark 1:35.  Early morning prayers were a practice of Jews and it was common for the Psalmist,  Psa. 5:3, 88:13 & 119:147.  Before we try to do anything for God, we should pray about it! In everyday life, especially in marriage, we are instructed to pray together, 1st Peter 3:7. Praying together is the main practice that makes teamwork successful in God’s view. Without communication, an Army is chaotic and defeated, Ephesians 6:10-20. In order to be the victorious Army God intends for us to be, we need to pray together.

Prayer is not a public forum with God. The privilege of access to God is graciously granted to people who are: Believing, Matthew 21:22, James 1:6-7. Righteous, 1st Peter 3:12. Obedient, 1st John 3:22-24, John 9:31. Unselfish, James 4:3-6 & 1st Cor. 10:24. If these characteristics are not ours, then we have no assurance that our prayers are heard. The old saying that there are no atheists in the foxholes of war, may be true, but faith alone doesn’t grant access, even the devils believe there is a God. What is it that grants us access? Our humble, trusting obedience to be found in Christ, where the Spirit of Christ can intercede. Boldness to approach God’s throne in prayer is for believers who know His will and want to do it, Matthew 6:10 & 26:39. Remember Cornelius and the word, “memorial”, Acts 10:4. Any new believer can approach God seeking forgiveness, but we should not assume our every request and prayers are heard verbatim before God unless we are an adopted child and found in the body of  Christ, Rom. 8:8-17. God’s children have a full list of subjects to pray about, we should never feel like we do not know what to pray about. Forgiveness, 1st Thes. 5:25, Mat. 6:12. Strength to overcome temptation, Mt. 6:13, 26:41. Daily needs, Mat. 6:11. For Rulers, 1st Timothy 2:1-2. The Sick, James 5:14. For Enemies, Mat. 5:44. For Laborers to enter the harvest, Mt. 9:38. For God’s word to be spread and be glorified, 2nd  Thess. 3:1.

When you pray, pray concisely, fervently and with a goal in mind. 1st  Corinthians 14:15-19. Vain repetition is condemned and unheard by God. If you are at a loss for words, take faith in the promise of God’s Spirit to intercede and deliver your request to the Father. Romans 8:26-27.

 This week’s pointer in prayer: Do we have a daily schedule which includes more than just ‘grace’ and thanks in our prayers? Why might we find mornings better than evenings for prayer?