Prayer

Prayer

Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God…

When asked, most Christians will tell you one area they want to grow in spiritually is prayer. Prayer is an important part of our Christian walk, but we seldom feel our prayer life is adequate. Prayer is an area we should desire to excel in, and our desire to excel in prayer is evidence we are maturing in our faith.

Some Christians do not understand that. They would say prayer is simply a casual conversation with God and anybody can do that well. They would tell you all you have to do is talk to God the way you would a close friend or family member. Unfortunately, that way of thinking shows a low degree of spiritual maturity because prayer is much more than a casual conversation with God.

Think about it. You can have a casual conversation with anyone; a friend, a neighbor, a coworker, a family member…, but in New Testament terms prayer is exclusively for God and God alone and that makes it special. The Greek word that is translated “prayer” in our Bible is “proseuchē,” and that word indicates that prayer is a part of our worship of God. Prayer is meant to be reverent and God honoring. Prayer is not a casual conversation. True prayer comes from the deepest part of our heart and soul. It reaches out to God to make requests, requests that God will meet the needs of others and ourselves, and when God answers our prayers, we should follow up with more prayers of thanksgiving. When we pray from a pure heart with holy hands lifted, God hears, and when God hears, God answers. Sometimes the answer is “yes” and sometimes it is “no.” Either way God answers prayers for our good and His glory.

So when you pray, remember you are participating in an act of worship. Honor God in your prayers; give Him glory and praise in your prayers. Make your requests known to God, and no matter how He answers, pray prayers of thanksgiving.

Have a God Filled Week,
Brother Donnie