A healthy Christian needs prayer just as much as he needs air.
Ephesians 6:18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere
What is true about Bible study is also true about prayer, we know we should do it, we know that it is good for us but we still avoid doing it. We can feel drawn to do it yet we can find so many reasons to avoid doing it.
We may decide that we don't know how to pray or we may question our motives for praying. The new Christian starts out using everyday words and their prayers sound like they are talking to a good friend. They don't change the tone of their voice or use any "theology" words to talk to God. It's a shame that somewhere along the way we lose that innocence. Isn't innocence exactly what God wants to hear in our conversations that we have with him?
Like any spiritual discipline we will grow through doing it. There is no magical right way to start, it is okay to begin with prayers that focus on ourselves but as we grow in the discipline of prayer, we will notice a shift in the direction of your prayer. Our prayer life will move from being centered on ourselves to being centered on God and others.
Some basics that we need to remember about prayer:
| We are commanded to pray Prayer brings glory to God. Prayer blesses us. Asking in Jesus name. Asking in faith. Asking in God's will. Praying is powerful. Praying is for your safety. |
1 Thessalonians 5:17. John 14:13 James 5:16 John 14:13 Matthew 21:22 1 John 5:14 James 5:16 Matthew 26:40-41 |
Prayer should be seen as basic and essential in the life of a Christ follower as breathing is to those of us that need oxygen. Without sufficient oxygen you may suffer mild symptoms such as memory loss, diminished attention span, poor judgment, rapid heartbeat and decreased coordination. Severe lack of oxygen may cause seizures, coma, and brain death.
Imagine being in battle with all of the Armor of God on and not being able to think clearly, making bad decisions, having poor coordination or passing out in the battle. You would be dead in no time! Our praying should be as natural as breathing because it is just as necessary in the life of God's children.
I need to have a constant awareness of God every minute of the day and talk to him about every situation. If I am "praying without ceasing" then I will be able to make better decisions and stand strong in the battle.
