God Simplified

Tag: Prayer

  • Prayer: A Journey to a Deeper Relationship with God

    Prayer-one of the most intimate aspects of the religious experience-has been an essential part of human spirituality since the beginning of time. Although its form and practices have changed throughout history, at its core, prayer remains a conversation with God. From the first people on earth, Adam and Eve, to the prayers of ancient civilizations like Egypt and Mesopotamia, to what it has turned into today, humans have always looked for a connection with the divine. In this post, we’ll explore the history and meaning of prayer, jump into its biblical context, key principles, and the ways it can deepen our relationship with God.

    Prayer

    Prayer is defined as the act or practice of holding a personal or deliberate communication or spiritual communion (a sincere and heartfelt communication) with a (D)deity (God, god or goddess), a deified ancestor(a person who has been elevated to divine status or considered a godly being after death), or an object of worship (any entity considered sacred or held as a supreme being). This makes prayer a crucial element of religious beliefs and practices across different cultures and traditions. This definition, however, includes elements that go against my beliefs and biblical prayer. Although there are no dictionary type definitions of prayer in the Bible, prayer is consistently stated as being a personal communication and fellowship with God. In my opinion, the problem lies in the definition. Firstly, while, yes, God is a Deity (capitol D), He is the only true Deity. There are no other gods that should have prayer directed to them. Secondly, prayer should also not be directed to deceased ancestors or objects. Deceased ancestors are just that, deceased ancestors. If they lived a righteous life on earth than remember them that way. Their goodness does not make them (G)gods. Praying to an object baffles me. For example, in AA they use the term “higher power” instead of God, to be all inclusive, I assume. Someones “higher power” could be a door knob. How silly does it sound to pray to a door knob? Prayer should be reserved for the One true God-the Creator of the universe. There are no others or no thing that is worthy of that level of communication. Finally, prayer involves the expression of a person’s deepest emotions and desires, this is solely made possible through a relationship with God.

    Biblical prayer, in its simplest form, is communication with God. A two-way conversation, that involves speaking to Him and listening for His guidance. It is an expression of dependence and an act of worship where we acknowledge our need for His help and direction, as well as glorifying Him by proclaiming our love and gratitude for all He’s done in our lives. Through prayer, we can align our will with His will and have a closer connection to the Holy Spirit residing in us. Prayer is a powerful and vital part of a believers life, commanded by God, Himself, and essential for growing in relationship with Him.

    Key Biblical Principles That Define Prayer

    • Conversation with God: Prayer is a dialogue. It’s a two-way street and not a time for formal, ritualistic empty phrases that have been heard and repeated. It is a humble, sincere pouring out of one’s heart to God. It is, both, talking to the Father and listening to Him. God has promised, in His Word, that He will listen to you (Jeremiah 29:12)(NKJV) and that He will answer you (Jeremiah 33:3)(NKJV).
    • Adoration and Praise: Another important element of prayer is acknowledging God’s greatness, character, and what He has done in your life. The Psalms are full of praises to God and giving Him glory for who He is (Psalm 8:1, 9:1-2, 47:1-9)(NKJV). Another more well known example is the Lord’s Prayer, which starts out “hallowed be your name” (Luke 11:2-4)(NIV).
    • Confession and Repentance: The Bible shows prayer as a time to humbly come before God, repent of sin, and ask for forgiveness. Psalm 51 (NKJV) is a prayer of repentance. David is confessing that he has sinned and is asking God to “…blot out (his) transgressions…” “…and cleanse (him) from (his) sin….” God’s promise goes on to say that if we confess our sins “…He (God) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9)(AMP).
    • Thanksgiving: Gratitude is often found in biblical prayers. Beginning your day by thanking God for His faithfulness and the blessings He has bestowed on you is a great way to start. Thank Him for giving you another one, a roof over your head, and the presence of loved ones in your life. Thank Him for the blessings that He will give you that you haven’t received yet. God’s blessings cannot be counted. 1 Chronicles 16:34 and Psalm 107:1 (NKJV) tell us to give thanks to God for His goodness and mercy. 2 Corinthians 9:15 (NKJV) tells us to give thanks to God for His ‘indescribable gift’. Most importantly, we need to give Him thanks for our victory through Jesus Christ(1 Corinthians 15:57)(TLB).
    • Supplication and Intercession: Supplication is a humble, heartfelt way of persistently asking for something. As believers, we are encouraged to bring our needs and requests to God (supplication-petition for self) (Philippians 4:6)(KJV) and also to ask for help on behalf of others (intercession). There are multiple verses in the Bible that call for believers to pray for others (1 Timothy 2:1-2)(RSV), (James 5:16)(NKJV), (Ephesians 6:18)(TLB)to name a few.
    • Submission to God’s Will: Prayer is not just about getting what you want. It involves aligning your desires and requests with God’s will and ultimate plan. Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane is the perfect example to highlight this. He was about to go through a horrific event that He didn’t really want to do. After asking if there was any way to avoid it, He said “…not my will, but always Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42)(AMP). 1 John 5:14-15 (KJV) tell us that “…if we ask anything according to His will…” we will have what we asked for. This is a promise from God in His Word. The key here is that the request must be according to the will of God.
    • Trust and Reliance: Prayer is an act of faith that shows our trust and reliance on God’s willingness and ability to hear and answer them. James 1:5-6 (NKJV) encourages us to ask for wisdom (and other things that align with God’s will). He stresses that there must not be any doubt, in our request, that God can and will supply all that we need in abundance. Any doubt will have us being tossed around with nothing stable or solid to rely on. As James emphasized, doubt can leave us feeling unstable and uncertain. However, prayer offers a solution by fostering resilience and perseverance, enabling us to trust in God’s unwavering provision and guidance, even during life’s challenges,
    • Relationship and Intimacy: Romans 8:15 (AMP) says that Jesus taught His followers to address God as “Father” (Abba). This emphasizes an intimate, family type relationship where we can come to God with confidence. Verses like Hebrews 4:16 (KJV), Ephesians 3:12 (NIV) and 1 John 5:14 (AMP) all speak of believers coming to God boldly and with confidence. This boldness is because of the blood of Christ giving us full access to God’s presence (Hebrews 10:19-22)(NIV). Prayer aids us in gaining a deeper understanding of God’s character and love for us. This deeper understanding can lead to a stronger sense of connection, belonging, and intimacy.

    These key principles that define prayer help to make prayer an essential and powerful part of a believers life.

    Definitions of Some Core Elements

    • Prayer is communication between oneself and the Father. Communication is defined as the exchange of information, ideas, and feelings between beings. It’s how we connect and interact with each other. Communication is the process that allows us to understand one another and work together. Prayer is imperative to having an open line of communication between yourself and God. It allows you to get to know Him deeper and work together toward His will for your life.

    The most common form of communication is spoken words-talking and listening. Spoken words to God do not have to be out loud. They are just as effective if you communicate in your head. I, personally, don’t pray out loud. I praise Him out loud but my prayers are in my head or written in a journal. The devil can’t hear the words spoken in my head, but he can hear what I say out loud. If I have something weighing on my mind and it’s giving me problems or negative feelings, I definitely do not want to give Satan anymore ammunition to use against me. God, however, already knows everything and does hear what is in my head. So, in my head, I can talk to God about everything and not have to worry about the devil ruining my day.

    Please don’t let me discourage you from praying out loud if that’s what you are comfortable with or if that’s what the situation calls for. I commend those of you who can and do pray out loud. In addition to the reason I already gave, I am far to insecure and shy to pray out loud, especially in front of other people.

    Communication is a vital aspect of prayer, whether it takes the form of spoken words or written reflections. While some may feel comfortable praying out loud, others may prefer to communicate with God silently or through journaling. Ultimately, the method of communication doesn’t matter as much as the act of connecting with God and deepening your relationship with Him. It’s important to find a prayer style that works best for you. So whether you choose to pray out loud, in silence, or in writing, remember that the most important thing is to keep the lines of communication open and listen for God’s guidance in your life.

    • Fellowship: Fellowship is a friendly connection or shared experience among beings who have a common interest or purpose. It is the sense of belonging and mutual support you feel when you are with people who understand you and share your values. Fellowship is a companionship or simply enjoying the company of others who you bond with over a common interest or goal. Your aim should be to have fellowship and companionship with God. If you are a believer, your values, interests, and goals should align with God’s. This being said, fellowship should be easy. Now you just need prayer, which is the gateway to fellowship with the Father. Prayer is not hard either. God is interested in everything about you. He yearns for you to tell Him all about whats going on in your life, even though He already knows. We need to respect God as omniscient (all knowing) but not treat Him that way. Tell Him about your day or about a book you are reading. He longs to be included in all you do, think, desire, and are. He just wants you to talk to Him. The more you talk to Him the deeper the fellowship becomes. The stronger the companionship gets.
    • Mutual Support: I mentioned this briefly in the section on fellowship. Mutual support is a deeper connection where people are there for each other through good and bad times. It’s important to have those people in your life that you can lean on, no matter what. We know that God is there for us at all times. But is it possible to have mutual support with God? Mutual implies back and forth, give and take-a two-way street. Most often we focus on how God supports and is there for us. Our relationship with God is not, and should not be, one-sided-a take and no give. You need to ask yourself, ‘How can I support and be there for God?’ Supporting someone you love doesn’t always look like big, grand gestures. More often, it’s the small, consistent actions that make the biggest difference. Here are a few ways to think about supporting God:

    By living a life that reflects God’s teachings and values, we are spreading His message of love, kindness, and compassion throughout the world. We also show our commitment to walking in His ways and honoring His guidance. In this, we are supporting Him, His belief system, and the values He holds dear.

    When we talk to Him and meditate on His Word, we open ourselves up to His presence and guidance. This is support in and of itself. We are supporting Him and what He longs to do-guide us. You would be amazed at the power of just being present. Actively listening for Him and showing interest in the things He holds dear is a great way to show God that you support Him.

    By being grateful for the blessings in our lives and expressing this gratitude, we show appreciation and support for all He does for us. Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you”. It’s a way of life that means actively seeking out and acknowledging the blessings in our lives, no matter how big or small they may seem. By cultivating this spirit of thankfulness, we develop a deeper appreciation for the gifts God has given us, and become more mindful of the ways He is working in our lives. Even in difficult times, finding things to be grateful for not only shifts our perspective but can help us develop a more positive outlook on life. When we focus on what we have rather than what we lack, we begin to recognize the abundance all around us.

    By asking God for guidance and help when we need it, we are trusting in Him and allowing His work to flow through us. This is a form of support in that we are telling God we believe in His ability to provide for and guide us toward a greater purpose.

    By actively seeking His will and listening for His direction, we are allowing Him to lead us and provide us with the wisdom we need to make it through life’s challenges. We are, again, supporting Him by trusting that He will help us get through the hard times.

    How to Pray

    • With Humility and Sincerity: God values the state of our hearts (what’s truly in them) over well spoken words or public displays. Prayer is not about putting on a show or trying to impress others. It’s about connecting with God on a deep and personal level. Jesus taught that private, sincere prayer is rewarded by the Father, who sees in secret (Matthew 6:5-6)(KJV).
    • With Faith and Belief: The Bible teaches that we must believe that God hears and will answer our prayers (Mark 11:24)(AMP). Often we don’t see immediate results from our prayers. But, we can/must trust that God is listening and working in ways we might not fully understand, but it’s all for our good (Romans 8:28)(NKJV).
    • According to God’s Will: True prayer aligns our desires with God’s will and purpose (1 John 5:14-15)(AMP). Prayer is an opportunity to seek guidance and wisdom and to open our hearts and minds up to the plan God has for our lives.
    • Continually and Persistently: We are told to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)(NKJV) and to not give up (Luke 18:1)(NLT), trusting in God’s timing and wisdom. Prayer is not a one-time event. It is a daily practice that helps us stay connected to God and maintain a sense of peace and purpose in our lives.

    Why We Pray

    • To Deepen Our Relationship With God: Prayer is the primary way to draw near to God and experience His presence in your life (Psalm 145:18)(NKJV). Praying to God helps us have a deeper and more intimate relationship with God. One where we feel at ease expressing all the secret thoughts and feelings that can’t be shared with others. As our trust in the Lord increases, our relationship with Him will grow deeper and stronger. Consider David. Even though he sinned and made mistakes, he was still called “…a man after My (God’s) own heart…” (Acts 13:22)(NKJV).
    • To Receive Guidance and Wisdom: God is waiting for us to come to Him and ask for His guidance. He wants to share His knowledge with us because He knows how much better our lives will be. If we ask God for wisdom in challenging situations, He promises to give it to us generously (James 1:5)(RSV). Look at King Solomon. God told him to ask for anything he wanted and it would be given to him. Instead of asking for wealth, longevity, or death to his enemies, he asked for “…a discerning heart to govern Your (God’s) people and to distinguish between right and wrong…” (1 Kings 3:3-14)(NIV).
    • To Find Peace and Guard Against Anxiety: By presenting our requests and anxieties to God, worries can be exchanged for “…God’s peace…which transcends all understanding…” (Philippians 4:6-7)(AMP). Prayer allows us to release our burdens and surrender our anxieties. This gives us a sense of relief and comfort as we acknowledge that God is in control and can handle any situation. Basically, our focus gets shifted from our problems to God’s sovereignty (having supreme power and authority) and faithfulness.
    • To Gain Strength Against Temptation: Prayer helps us stay spiritually strong and resistant to temptation (Matthew 26:41)(RSV). When we pray, we are relying on God to be faithful. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV) says that we are not tempted beyond what is common to all men or in excess of what we can handle. It goes on to remind us that God is faithful and will always give us an escape from it.
    • To Intercede On Behalf Of Others: The Bible commands us to pray for all people (1 Timothy 2:1)(RSV), including our enemies (Matthew 5:44)(KJV). Intercessory prayer (praying on behalf of others) can help us focus on the needs of others and become more aware of their struggles and hardships. This shifts the focus from our own concerns. It may also prompt us to take action- do something to ease the burden of someone else. Praying for others is also a way to show love and compassion for our neighbors, as commanded by Jesus in Matthew 22:39 (AMP).
    • Because God Commands It: Finally, we pray because God commands it. The Bible is full of exhortations (words of strong encouragement meant to inspire and guide) and examples of prayer, making it a direct act of obedience to God’s will (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18)(KJV). In 1 Chronicles 16:11 (NKJV), we are called to seek the Lord, His strength, and His face. This highlights the central role that prayer plays in our spiritual lives. Furthermore, the encouragement to pray “…evening and morning and at noon…”, (Psalm 55:17)(NKJV), emphasizes the importance of making prayer a constant part of our daily routine. Regular prayer helps us develop a deeper dependence on and relationship with God, keeping us from relying solely on our own strengths and abilities.

    In this post, we explored various definitions and emphasized prayers role as an intimate conversation with God. Prayer allows us to express adoration, gratitude, and our desires for His will to be done. By understanding key concepts and applying biblical examples, we can deepen our prayer practice and strengthen our fellowship with God. As we continue on our own spiritual journeys, we need to remember the importance of having a mindset of humility, sincerity, and trust in our prayers. My hope is that you will embrace the transformative power of being in fellowship with our Father (Abba) in heaven.

    Personal Reflection

    To be completely transparent, I’ve really been struggling in the prayer department. Actually, on my whole spiritual journey. I was doing very well for a while, but lately I have been self-sabotaging. I have stopped going to the doctor, counseling, and church. My prayer life being in shambles could be a result of my absences or it could be the cause of it. I say that because prayer was the glue that had been holding my life together.

    Some time ago, I read a short little book called “The Practice of the Presence of God.” It was compiled by Father Joseph de Beaufort and contained the letters and teachings of Brother Lawrence, a 17th century Carmelite friar. It focused on the idea of being in constant communication with God through a practice he called “practicing the presence of God.” The idea was to do everything, from writing letters to doing the dishes, for the glory of the God. Basically, everything he did, he did it as if he were doing it directly for God. In addition to that, he would talk to God continually, throughout the day as he was doing those things.

    It really inspired me to try it. So, I began to talk to God about the things I was doing for Him. Some things were a little harder until I started to realize that the tasks I specifically told God I was doing for Him were getting done more thoroughly. I wanted to do them better than I would if I were just doing them for myself. I hope that makes sense to you. Example-when I scrubbed the floor as if it was God’s floor, it appeared to get cleaner and it seemed to take less time to do.

    I believe this was because I began talking to Him while I was doing them. This increased time talking to God went from me telling Him I was doing such and such for Him, to me asking Him to help me do that thing for Him. It, eventually, progressed to me telling Him about my day-what I had done or what I wanted to get accomplished. More things were getting done and I was feeling closer and closer to God. My favorite times were when I was driving. God seemed to talk to me more when I was driving. That was where I had my first revelation- that I loved myself. It changed my whole outlook on life.

    Then my memory struck. I have friends who pray for me religiously, and I wanted to do them same for them. However, I started to forget if I had prayed for them or for others who needed prayer. It became very frustrating for me. To help with this, I decided to start a prayer journal. Writing down my prayers has helped me in multiple ways: it calms me when I’m feeling stressed or anxious-giving me peace, helps me remember what and who I want to pray for, allows me to organize my thoughts, and lets me look back and see how God has been answering my prayers and moving in my life.

    Between writing prayers and talking to Him about everything, I felt my prayer life was pretty strong. My journey was going well and I was very blessed. Then it all came crashing down. I’m not sure what initiated the domino effect but my life hasn’t been the same since.

    Did my lack of Christian companionship cause the major deficit in my prayer life or did my lack of a prayer life guilt me in to not going to church all together. Where does not going to my Christian doctor and Christian therapist fit into it?

    I just know I need to figure it out because the devil has taken a foothold in my life. He is causing problems in my relationship, and I have not been being a very good friend. It’s very hard to get motivated when you are depressed. I just hope my relationships can weather this stormy season. With the holidays approaching, the preparation and stress that come along with them is only adding to my depression and anxiety. I need to get things figured out.

    Maybe a trip to the library is in order. Do I need to re-read Brother Lawrence’s book? Maybe-just maybe what I need is right here in this post. God had me write it for a reason. Maybe I need to go back and read it for the first time. With fresh eyes and not as the author. Maybe I need a refresher course on the what’s, how’s, and why’s of prayer. So, please pray that I can see this with new eyes and that I realize, maybe, this post was meant for me. Pray that I get my prayer life back and become the friend my friends need me to be. Pray that I can “pray without ceasing” and that, once again, I will have ongoing conversations with our Lord, and that, once again, I will hear His voice. Thank you.