Over the next few posts I would like to reflect on Prayer - what it is, why we do it, how we do it, what to pray for, etc. For today let's just look at what it is.
Those familiar with the corporate world will know how difficult, and often near impossible it is to talk to the chief executive of an organisation. This is not the case with our God, the Creator of the universe. Through prayer we can communicate with God directly, day or night where ever we are in the world. Hallelujah!
A definition: Prayer is an act that seeks to activate a rapport with God through deliberate communication.
Looking at God's interactions with Adam and Eve, we see that God walked with them in the cool of the day. God created them, He knew them and He had a relationship with them. God also desires this from us today. The above definition describes prayer as a deliberate act of communication. This means we have to apply our God-given free will and choose to enter into a relationship with God by communicating with Him. We can therefore describe 'Prayer' as our regular conversation with God aimed at building and maintaining our relationship with Him.
In such a conversation we acknowledge that He is God. Prayer is therefore a form of worship and thanksgiving.
- Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. (Ps.103:1-2)
- Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. (Ps.141:2)
- I cried to him with my mouth, and high praises was on my tongue. (Ps.66:17)
Prayer is a means of acknowledging our dependence on God and confirming our faith in His ability to help us.
- I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come: my help comes for the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. (Ps.121:1-3)
- Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in thee my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of thy wings I will take refuge, till the storm of destruction pass by. (Ps.57:1)
Brothers and Sisters, let us then as the Word instructs with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Heb.4:16)
My Prayer
Thank you Father, that You want a relationship with us. This is also what we desire Father, to see Your face and to spent time in your presence. Thank you that we can communicate with You directly and that you hear us when we call to You. Father we give thanks to you with our whole hearts. We pray in Jesus' name. Aman.