We Are the Church Of Grace, Fellowship, and Ordinary People
WHY AND HOW WE PRAY—AND TO WHOM?
When you think of God, who He is, and how He relates to mankind, what picture do you see? Too often He is pictured as a God who is distant from humans. Some think He is a God who has no dealings of communication with man. But the Bible paints a very different picture. In scripture, the Almighty God seeks to have an intimate connection with His children. How we can commune with Him is through the means of prayer.
We can pray directly to Him, in the name of His son Jesus, who died for our redemption. We don’t need a mediator in our communication with God, as Jesus is our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16). Jesus prayed, in John 17:20-21, for his disciples, and for all who would believe in Christ through their word. His prayer was that they “may be one” in God.
How powerful! Jesus’ prayer was the desire of the Creator of the universe, dwelling in the flesh. He was praying that all who hear the word of God will have an experience of trusting God through a love relationship with Him. This is the heart of prayer, to experience God’s presence in your life. Furthermore, when we get to know God through prayer and Bible study, we become aligned with His will.
When Moses went up to receive the Ten Commandments, the children of Israel rebelled. They worshipped the golden calf. As Moses returned, he was distraught and upset they had so soon forgotten God’s ways and His goodness. So Moses prays. But take note of this powerful prayer. Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people - Exodus 33:13 (NKJV)
Prayer is so much more than reciting a wishlist. We don’t want to limit God to a cosmic vending machine when He desires to be so much more in our lives. He wants to be our character builder, our loving Father who refines us as we grow and mature. When life is good and easy, or when life is tough and hard, He invites us to seek His will in the midst of it all. To live conscious of His presence, and be at peace (Isaiah 26:3). Furthermore, He calls us to not only seek Him in prayer but to have faith, believing that He will answer (Mark 11:24).
Steps To A Personal Prayer Life With Christ
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer (remembering God, acknowledging His presence) and petition (make your appeal), with thanksgiving. Bring Him your concerns with the understanding that He has been good and will be good again. When you know the One to whom you’re praying and believe with all your heart that He loves you, it’ll change how you pray and why you pray. And once you’ve left your concerns with Him, you can move forward with a peace that brings clarity to your heart and mind. What a gift He’s given us!
Trusting God To Guide Us
Rather than feeling lost in the wilderness of despair (which never does us any good), we should choose rather to trust God to “furnish a table in the wilderness” as described in Psalms 78:19. Doing so will set aside the fear and overwhelming anxiety we often encounter. Choosing God to guide our steps gives us an overwhelming sense of peace and gratitude, and the calm assurance that God is all-powerful and present to guide every aspect of my life.