No matter how much we write, I am not convinced that we could ever fully define what prayer is. Beyond what dictionaries may say pray is, the nature of God as described in scripture gives us a more in-depth insight of what prayer is. So, how do we define prayer, according to scripture? The two verses below summarise it all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2 Chronicles 7:14 ~<\/b> if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
If you are called by his name, you acknowledge his authority. A lack of humility may cause us to not ask for help. As the songwriter, Draze said \u201cSometimes the hardest word to say is, Help. Pride is a lonely man\u2019s road, and I\u2019m here by myself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Humility causes us to know when we can use help, when we ought to ASK for it, to PETITION the Lord. It will also mean turning away from things that we know are detestable in the sight of the Lord. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nIsaiah 1:18<\/strong> King James Version (KJV)<\/p>18 <\/b>Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
God as a father seeks to make our relationship personal. He cares for you as an individual. Reasoning together means that there is talking and listening from both parties. The bible tells us that the tearing of the veil when Christ was crucified granted us access to meet with God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You will note from scripture, it used to be priests who met with God. No one else would. The priests had to prepare themselves for these meeting and cleansed themselves before going into the holy of holies. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nChrist became man and died, that we may have access to the king on the throne. Today we have that direct access. That is what prayer is. Being able to directly PETITION the king of kings. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nPrayer can be subdivided into various types and forms. These are based on when, why and how it is done. Praying at the start of the day may be referred to as morning prayer, in the afternoon as afternoon prayer, and evening prayer. These categories may also include the purpose of the prayer, such as deliverance prayer.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Why do we pray?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe usual question is usually phrased by saying, \u201cIf God is omniscient (all-knowing) why pray?\u201d We will answer this question below, but first, we will give an incredible example of God in the flesh. If Jesus, who was God prayed, he saw the value of prayer. As his disciples we are called to walk in the footsteps that he too walked in, to learn from the examples that he set.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Why did Jesus pray? <\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nJohn 1 sets the scene as follows, In the beginning, was the word, and the word as with God, and the Word was God. This word became flesh (Jesus) and dwelt among us. Prior to the word dwelling among us, he had been with God. While on earth, he understood that the earthly dimension required that we speak with and remain connected with the father. Prayer was the method by which the word spoke to the father. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nWe are called to pray without ceasing. This is to say that our communication with God ought to be consistent. That is why Jesus prayed, to continually speak with the father in heaven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Free will<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nBy definition free will allows us to do as we would. God places multiple choices in our path. I set before you life and death. Yet, he then directs our footsteps, tells us to \u201cchoose life\u201d. Granted we still have the option of choosing death. If we didn\u2019t have an option to choose death, the concept of free will would be annulled. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nDeuteronomy 30:19 New King James Version (NKJV)<\/p>
19 <\/b>I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that<\/i> I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
One preacher explained it as prayer authorises heavenly intervention on earthly matters. Outside of this mankind may be left to his own devices. God is not one that would impose himself upon us. Even salvation is offered, not mandated. The bible says he stands at the door and knocks. Free will is what permits us to open this door or not. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n2 Corinthians 4:4 New King James Version (NKJV)<\/p>
4 <\/b>whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Communicate with God<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe word of God is one of the ways that he communicates with us. We reciprocate through prayer and obedience, among other things. It is God\u2019s desire that we would have a relationship with him. A key component of this relationship is communication. We understand from scripture that, Adam and the Lord would talk, they would spend time together. That is the design of this relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even in imperfect states, he calls us to reason together, that we may find a way to continue together. While sin separated us from the Lord, he sent Christ down that we may be reconnected. His death tore the veil, allowing us to enter into his very presence. We have access to the king on the throne. This is a privilege that was usually limited to the prophets, priests and kings. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>What is Personal prayer<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThis is a reference to prayer that is said for yourself, or praying alone. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>What is a Prayer closet?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nMatthew 6:6<\/p>
But you, when you pray, enter into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret shall reward you openly.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The concept of a prayer closet is one that is concerned with not making a spectacle of your prayer. Your Heavenly Father sees in secret and rewards you openly. No one should know what you have prayed for or are praying for, what is the purpose of that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are seeking accolades from a man for praying, your reward will come from man and not from the Lord. God looks for the heart behind the prayer, not just the words. Your words, your voice and poise may be impressive to onlookers, but God\u2019s eyes are on something entirely different. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nYour prayer closet allows you to be alone with God, in a place that you could truly and completely be vulnerable. There is no one watching you, but God. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nThis is a concept that was brought to our tv screens in the movie, War Room. If you want to learn about prayer, I’d encourage you to watch it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another closely linked concept is that of finding a place to consistently meet with the Lord. Bill Hybels’ teaching called “Coffee with God” is one of our favourites in this. Watch the video below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n