Prayer—Communication with God
Most people pray—but to whom do they pray? Not all prayer is equal. A dramatic example of futile prayer is found in 1 Kings 18:20-38 (Read). Here we learn of Baal worshippers. When the Baal worshippers prayed to Baal nothing happened. But when Elijah prayed to the true God, his prayer was answered–in a dramatic way! God sent fire down to burn a water-soaked wood offering. The Bible also teaches that it is possible for us to sabotage our own prayers by our disobedience, wrong motives, and insincerity!
Because Jesus is our caring advocate who offers His own perfection for our flaws, we are able to pray with confidence to the one true God. We are certainly urged to pray in Scripture (“Pray without ceasing.”) In fact, Jesus taught us to pray (Lord’s prayer). So it seems for a Christian that it is certainly something we ought to do. Our prayers flow from our meditation on Scripture. Speaking back to God His words and promises is the essence of prayer—praising God in all His attributes. He also wants us to bring our every need and concern to Him. We have a relationship with Him through Christ. He is now our best friend and approachable. So there is an aspect of just wanting to talk with Him, just as we would our earthly best friend.
There is no “magic” prayer formula to make God do what we want Him to do. But prayer should first contain praise and adoration for God. This sets the stage of humility in us. Bringing our requests to God in prayer changes us, rather our attempt to change God. By seeking God and trusting in him we see our problems and joys in the light of God—not our human condition. Of course we are still human, but an attitude adjustment happens. Prayer gives us a more eternal perspective.
Are prayers always answered? Yes, they are answered. The three answers are: Yes, No, Wait. God answers our prayers as He will. The fact that He hears us is a great comfort. He will give us what we need, not necessarily what we want.
The Bible is full of examples of prayer. Moses prayed as the Children of Israel journeyed through the desert. Jesus often went off by Himself to pray. It was a personal, direct communication with God the Father. And Jesus prayed for His church. John 17 (please Read) is often referred to as Jesus’ “high priestly prayer.” And the apostles “devoted themselves to…breaking of bread and prayer.” The book of Acts is full of examples of prayer.
Because Jesus is our caring advocate who offers His own perfection for our flaws, we are able to pray with confidence to the one true God. We are certainly urged to pray in Scripture (“Pray without ceasing.”) In fact, Jesus taught us to pray (Lord’s prayer). So it seems for a Christian that it is certainly something we ought to do. Our prayers flow from our meditation on Scripture. Speaking back to God His words and promises is the essence of prayer—praising God in all His attributes. He also wants us to bring our every need and concern to Him. We have a relationship with Him through Christ. He is now our best friend and approachable. So there is an aspect of just wanting to talk with Him, just as we would our earthly best friend.
There is no “magic” prayer formula to make God do what we want Him to do. But prayer should first contain praise and adoration for God. This sets the stage of humility in us. Bringing our requests to God in prayer changes us, rather our attempt to change God. By seeking God and trusting in him we see our problems and joys in the light of God—not our human condition. Of course we are still human, but an attitude adjustment happens. Prayer gives us a more eternal perspective.
Are prayers always answered? Yes, they are answered. The three answers are: Yes, No, Wait. God answers our prayers as He will. The fact that He hears us is a great comfort. He will give us what we need, not necessarily what we want.
The Bible is full of examples of prayer. Moses prayed as the Children of Israel journeyed through the desert. Jesus often went off by Himself to pray. It was a personal, direct communication with God the Father. And Jesus prayed for His church. John 17 (please Read) is often referred to as Jesus’ “high priestly prayer.” And the apostles “devoted themselves to…breaking of bread and prayer.” The book of Acts is full of examples of prayer.
A prime example for prayer is David, the King of Israel, and arguably one of the most powerful men in history. He wrote many prayers that are recorded in the book of Psalms. David is referred to as a “man after [God’s] own heart.” (1 Samuel 13:14) Truly his 23rd Psalm is a profession of David’s trust in the Lord as the good Shepherd-King. David relied on God for his military conquests (including Goliath). He honored and obeyed God in the building of a temple for worship. David was submissive and pure in character in his interaction with Saul and others—most of the time. But David was flawed (very human just as you and me). David disobeyed God’s instructions at times. He committed adultery, even arranged for the death of his lover’s husband!
David confesses his sins with the confidence that the Lord will forgive. He pledges to change his wicked ways. If an adulterer, liar, murderer can be forgiven and still be called a “man after [God’s] own heart”, then each of us has the same hope. Read Psalm 44 as a vivid example of David’s pleadings to God. In Psalm 55:17, David says, “Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice.” And many of the psalms are poetic praises to God that were sung with instruments. You may wish to Read for yourself a sampling:
· David confesses and prays for a “right heart,” the right skill set for leadership (Psalm 51)
· Thanks and praise to God for his saving help (Psalm 66, 75)
· Confession of confidence in God (Psalm 11, 16, 52)
· Praising God’s virtue (Psalm 8, 19, 29, 65, 47, 93-99)
· Individual prayers (Psalm 3,6,7)
· Community prayers (Psalm 12, 44, 79)
We learn much about prayer from the people in Scripture. Great leaders and everyday believers “talked” with God. The same opportunity is available to us today. Our lives can be a constant conversation with God. God is ready to hear us. And we will be changed.
David confesses his sins with the confidence that the Lord will forgive. He pledges to change his wicked ways. If an adulterer, liar, murderer can be forgiven and still be called a “man after [God’s] own heart”, then each of us has the same hope. Read Psalm 44 as a vivid example of David’s pleadings to God. In Psalm 55:17, David says, “Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice.” And many of the psalms are poetic praises to God that were sung with instruments. You may wish to Read for yourself a sampling:
· David confesses and prays for a “right heart,” the right skill set for leadership (Psalm 51)
· Thanks and praise to God for his saving help (Psalm 66, 75)
· Confession of confidence in God (Psalm 11, 16, 52)
· Praising God’s virtue (Psalm 8, 19, 29, 65, 47, 93-99)
· Individual prayers (Psalm 3,6,7)
· Community prayers (Psalm 12, 44, 79)
We learn much about prayer from the people in Scripture. Great leaders and everyday believers “talked” with God. The same opportunity is available to us today. Our lives can be a constant conversation with God. God is ready to hear us. And we will be changed.