Studies have shown that 90% of people do not live a praying lifestyle. On the outside, things seem to be working correctly. But internally, there is no functional, ongoing relationship with the Father.
This kind of Christianity cannot withstand the onslaught of a postmodern world. It is a tinderbox for cynicism and moving away from God…it’s all because we have a wrong understanding of what Biblical prayer is.
The Bible has many things to say about the subject of prayer. Prayer is talking to God. It is our way of communicating our thoughts, needs, and desires to Him. It is an avenue God has provided for the believer to make known the deepest feelings of our hearts.
BIBLICAL THOUGHTS ON PRAYER
Prayer Is An
He [Jesus] was praying in a certain place, and after He had finished, one of His disciples said to him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught His disciples (Luke 11:1).
Notice it says that Jesus was praying, and then He finished praying. This means that you begin it and you finish it.
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened (Matthew 7:7,8).
How
If possible, there should be set times each day that we pray. As the need arises, prayer should also take place in between these times. The Bible commands us to:
Pray
Pray
Jesus said that our prayers should be done in private.
“But when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” (Matthew 6:6).
-There is a time for public prayer but as individuals we should talk to God in private.
“Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, Sit here while I pray… And He went away and prayed and spoke the same words.” (Mark 14:32,39).
The early church “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42)
NEXT WEEK: Developing a life of prayer and learning to pray the will of God.
It is easy to wonder if prayer works…but prayer isn’t about fulfilling our desires.