Verses:
“With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,” - (Eph. 6:18)
Again, this verse is a powerful reminder as to how we live the Christian life. Although we all recognize the need and thus necessity of prayer, very few actually engage in and effectively pray. It is for this reason we call the church family to pray.
First, what is prayer? Prayer at its most fundamental level is one’s communication with God. It has many ways of showing itself, but fundamentally prayer is simply “talking to/with God.” We speak to God with our minds/hearts and He speaks to us through the Word by means of the Holy Spirit. Prayer is not defined by posture or position. It is not defined by nor confined by where one is, when one prays or even how one prays. Throughout the day and night when ever and where ever you find yourself you can turn your attention to God and speak with Him and ask of Him anything.
Second, how do we pray effectively? Here we must define what is meant by “effective or effectual”. Prayers mystery is its non-definable nature. One thing I’ve learned through the years is to have realistic expectations. If my expectations are unrealistic, I will grow in my frustration. What might I realistically expect from prayer? Although we know what it is and why we pray (simply because God calls and invites us to pray), it isn’t a “magic incantation” whereby when we pray God acts. God works in and through prayer and He often works in the absence of prayer. But simply because He does work without prayer does not mean we should be lazy in prayer. What might I realistically expect from prayer? First, when we pray God listens (Ps. 4:1, 3). His ear is always turned toward our communication. Second, when we pray our prayers should align with God’s revealed will as found in the Scripture (James 4:3 1 John 3:22; 5:14). Third, when we pray we are to surrender ourselves completely to God’s Story (Prov. 3:5, 6). We are not altering the Story. Our prayers might be uttered in conflict with the Story, but God will not honor the request. His Story shall prevail. We must rest knowing how our prayers are a part of the means God uses in the telling and accomplishing of His Story.
As we focus on prayer and fasting may our mind and spirit be renewed in our quest to know God and to make Him known.
by Pastor Pat Griffiths
