Prayer is so much more than the blessing at the supper table. It’s a conversation with the Creator of the universe. He could have left us completely on our own, but He gave us the privilege to come to Him in prayer. Today we’re going to look at a few principles of prayer and how we can apply it to our quiet time. ~ ~ ~ SCRIPTURE - JAMES 1:5-6 ~ ~ ~ The book of James is often called the “practical book” of the Bible. It gives us a myriad of opportunities to actually do what God is calling us to do. James 1:5-6 is no exception. When it comes to the topic of prayer, there are two things that the author is bringing to our attention: ASK OF GOD When in prayer, we need to remind ourselves frequently who we are speaking with. This isn’t just some foreign god from another planet. This is Jehovah, who was, and is, and is to come. When we really grasp who it is that we are addressing, our prayer life will explode. In the Gospel of Matthew, not only is God a powerful King, He’s also an intimate Father (Matthew 6:9). It’s a personal relationship. With that being said, I challenge you to watch out for false teachings. Many that claim the name of Christianity will tell you that it’s okay to take your prayers to church leaders and saints. God is the only one who can answer our prayers and offer complete forgiveness for our sins. No amount of ritual will ever do that for us. That’s why it’s important to have that relationship, and ask of God. ASK IN FAITH The problem with lukewarm Christianity is this; there is no faith. James is adamant when he says that the man without faith may as well have not asked at all. Jesus said in the Gospels that faith the size of a mustard seed is more acceptable than nothing. Going back to James 5:16, it says that the prayer of the righteous man availeth much. Righteous also means faithful, or full of faith. Faithful can also mean no obstruction in the way of serving the Lord. A lack of faith in your prayer life displays unbelief. My friends, that will get you nowhere very quickly. HOW TO TALK TO GOD
Talking with God shouldn’t be a monotonous process. It’s not chanting or using big, fancy words behind a pulpit. It’s a reverent understanding that God is our Father and Friend. The songwriter that wrote the hymn “I Must Tell Jesus” knew the importance of knowing God in that way. They also knew the importance of telling the Lord everything, even down to the smallest, minute part of your day. Prayer is also a two-way conversation. You talk to Him and He talks back. Unbelievers might think that’s a little crazy, but it’s biblical truth. For instance, you may be asking for wisdom on a decision you are trying to make. God speaks primarily through His Word, so He may lead you to read Proverbs 3:5-6. This then leads you to make a biblical, sound decision based on the Word of God, therefore obeying it. If you take anything from this, when you have a powerful prayer life, prayer leads to obedience. But it has to be a two-way conversation; you can’t do all the talking. Psalm 46:10 calls us to “be still and know…” that He is God. Often we do so much of the talking that we forget to simply enjoy His presence. Prayer isn’t just for asking for things to happen in our lives. It’s also for resting and thankfulness. This may be the time for you to reflect on a passage you’ve read or a sermon you heard. ~ ~ ~ WANT MORE? CHECK OUT THIS BLOG POST ON PRAYER Prayer is important, but be sure you’re in the Word of God too! My book Strength For Each Day will help you dive into the Bible and it has a short prayer at the end of each page. Pick it up if you’d like!
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