Sometimes I think we tend to minimize prayer. We say things like, “I’m sorry I can’t do more right now, but I can pray” or, “All we can do is pray.” What we sometimes fail to understand is that prayer is MIGHTY. It affects so much more than ourselves and the world around us in so many ways, and we would do better to realize it.
Webster gives us the basic definition of prayer:
“1a(1): an address (such as a petition) to God or a god in word or thought (2): a set order of words used in praying b: an earnest request or wish
2: the act or practice of praying to God or a god”
If we dig a little deeper and look for the Biblical definition of prayer, we can look to Easton’s Bible Dictionary: Prayer “is converse with God; the intercourse of the soul with God, not in contemplation or meditation, but in direct address to him. Prayer may be oral or mental, occasional or constant, ejaculatory or formal. It is a “beseeching the Lord” (Exodus 32:11); “pouring out the soul before the Lord” (1Sam 1:15); “praying and crying to heaven” (2Chr 32:20); “seeking unto God and making supplication” (Job 8:5); “drawing near to God” (Psalms 73:28); “bowing the knees” (Eph 3:14).”
My first thought in reading all of this is that prayer is INTIMATE. It is bringing our concerns and our desires and our praise before the throne of the Most High God and BEING SEEN. I think one of my favorite phrases in Easton is “the intercourse of the soul with God.” Prayer is not a one-way communication but is something that interconnects us with the Savior in such an intimate fashion that it becomes an “intercourse of the soul.” We have the privilege of direct communication with God, and He not only hears us, BUT HE ALSO ANSWERS US. Now, He’s not a genie. He doesn’t grant wishes; He doesn’t just give us what we ask for. He doesn’t even do it in the timeline we imagine it should happen within, and it doesn’t always look like what we asked for.
My favorite truth right now is that God’s timing isn’t always ours – but it is ALWAYS perfect. He knows what we really need, and He really wants it for us, it’s just not always in our best interest to have it RIGHT NOW. Remember, we are His children, and we have so much to learn. Sometimes He really does want it for us now, but we make choices that prevent our having it. Prayer – intimate, honest, drawing near to Him, brings us to the point that we can see what He wants for us and how to achieve it.
Prayer invites the Holy Spirit and asks Him to do His work – not just for us, but for those within our circle and beyond. We frequently ask Him to give doctors inspiration and wisdom for those they are treating – we ask for leaders to have wisdom and discernment in the decisions they make that affect our neighborhoods and bigger communities. We ask for ourselves to be wise as serpents and gentle as doves, as in Matthew 10:16.
Why do YOU pray?
Do you have something you would like prayer for?
I like to incorporate scripture in my prayer. 2 Timothy 3:16 says “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” and I know that learning and incorporating scripture into my daily prayer seems to elevate my thinking.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
Do you have a favorite scripture you use when praying?
I’m not as good at sitting down and praying at a certain time every day as I used to be, but I find that it seems to be more of an ongoing conversation than it was when I was younger. I’m not sure if it’s better, but that’s what it is.
Do you have a set time to pray every day, or is it more of a conversation?
Whatever your habit, whatever your method or content, know that God wants to hear from you. He loves you so much that He created and sent His Son to live, and die, and be resurrected to live again so that you can have everlasting life. He wants to be part of that and to have you to be with Him someday. John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
If you would like to let Him in and let Him be part of your life, pray with me – “God, I need You. I believe that You want me to be saved and to enjoy eternity with You. Please come into my life and help me to grow closer to You. I pray this in the precious name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.”
If you prayed this, please reach out. I would love to hear from you and pray for you.
Love,
Elizabeth
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