Prayer is a conversation between us and God - a one to one conversation with our creator. (We will consider prayer with others later.) Today I would like to look at scripture that provides instruction on how to pray.
"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land" (2 Chr.7:14). "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you" (Jam.4:10). The question is: How do we humble ourselves before God?
- We need to remember who God is and who we are. He is our Creator and we are His subjects. He is the Potter and we are the clay. With this understanding it becomes easier to approach God with the appropriate reverence and respect.
- How we position ourselves before God is important in showing humility. We should remember that we are sinful beings interacting with a Holy God. Coming before the Almighty God on bended knee or prostate is a way of showing our humility.
- Humbling ourselves through fasting or denying our flesh is showing God that we regard our communication with Him as more important than satisfying our flesh. Fasting does not always involve giving up food, it could also be sacrificing time spent in front of the TV or on social media to make time to be with the Father.
"The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" (Jam.5:16).
- We are encouraged to be fervent in our prayers. It is difficult to pray fervently and with passion when one is praying in one's head. When appropriate, praying is best done aloud. Wisdom from scripture is to go into your room, shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (Matt. 6:7)
- Fervent prayer may also include lifting our hands and clapping our hands. Apostle Paul wrote: "I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarrelling" (1Tim.2:8).
- Fervent prayer does not mean vain repetitions or empty words or phrases. Our prayers, whether it is praise, thanksgiving or petitions, should come from our heart. "And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words" (Matt.6:7).
My Prayer
Father Yahuah, thank you for Your Word that teaches us how to come before You, the Maker of heaven and earth. Please forgive us for not always praying as we should. Thank you, Father for the assurance that we will find You when we seek You with all our hearts. Father, as Your humble servants we praise You and give You thanks for Your goodness and Your love. Aman.