Thoughts on Prayer

I feel that prayer is among the most neglected areas of my spiritual walk so I have been eager to study about the purpose of communication with God through prayer so I may have a better understanding of the importance of this spiritual practice. I pray when I need wisdom, direction, and guidance and I pray when I have a specific request to bring before the Lord, (whether it is relating to me personally or a friend or family member), but I have much room for improvement in regard to a daily, even hourly dialogue with the Lord. Since I certainly don't have much wisdom to share in this area, this study is primarily a collection of the thoughts, scriptures, and quotes I have accumulated through my research on this subject.

God has called us into a relationship with Himself. Relationships require communication. Prayer is communication between a holy God and a beloved you and me. Throughout God's Word we're taught the significance and role of prayer. Stories about the impact of prayer will inspire you to pray more. "In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for Me in earnest, you will find Me when you seek Me” (Jeremiah 29:12,13).

God wants to be in relationship with us. And He knows we need what He can give. Through prayer, we experience life-transforming, life-renewing intimacy with the Creator of the universe. God reveals Himself to us through prayer. "Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing" (Psalm 143:10). We learn more and more about His character and how His perfect will is working itself out in our own life. Deepening our understanding of God also deepens our faith and desire to worship.

God invites us to bring our burdens and needs to Him in prayer. “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
We have a Heavenly Father who is more than able to bring victory to any challenge we face. God is a spiritual and physical healer. Like any healthy relationship, we must keep a line of communication open.

God responds to the prayers of His people. “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results” (James 5:16). It is through prayer, that His work is accomplished on earth. The apostle Paul continually asked for prayer in his missionary endeavors and saw prayer as vital to his success.

God imparts wisdom and understanding through prayer. “If you need wisdom—if you want to know what God wants you to do—ask Him, and He will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking” (James 1:5). As we become increasingly aware of our limitations, we can rest in the knowledge that our God is omniscient. Availing ourselves of God’s counsel is a blessing of prayer.

God exercises His authority and ability to do the impossible through the prayers of His people. “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer” (Matthew 21:22). Our hearts pound with great confidence as we take mighty tasks to our exceedingly mighty Lord.

God extends His power to us through prayer so that we may resist temptation. “Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you. For though the spirit is willing enough, the body is weak!” (Matthew 26:41) With prayer, you always have a proven shield of protection available. Just say the word.

-Excerpts from "Why We Pray" at wycliffe.org

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." 1 John 5:14

"The Lord emboldens us to come to God in all circumstances. Through Him our petitions are accepted of God. The matter of our prayer must be agreeable to the declared will of God." - Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 John 5:14

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

"As a remedy against perplexing care, constant prayer is recommended. Not only stated times for prayer, but in every thing by prayer. We must join thanksgivings with prayers and supplications; not only seek supplies of good, but own the mercies we have received. God needs not to be told our wants or desires; he knows them better than we do; but he will have us show that we value the mercy, and feel our dependence on him. The peace of God, the comfortable sense of being reconciled to God, and having a part in his favour, and the hope of the heavenly blessedness, are a greater good than can be fully expressed. This peace will keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus; it will keep us from sinning under troubles, and from sinking under them; keep us calm and with inward satisfaction." -Matthew Henry's Commentary on Philippians 4:6-7

"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express." Romans 8:26

I am challenged by these verses and thoughts and hope to implement what I have gleaned from this study.