What is the Meaning of Prayer?
“Do not make prayer a monologue* …. make it a conversation”
(A long speech by one person not allowing others to speak. It often leaves you feeling unheard, empty and uncertain.)
“Luke 18:7 – Will not God bring about justice for His chosen who cry out to Him day and night.”
We need to increase the intensity of our prayers! Crying day and night!!! We just don’t pray enough! It takes time spent in earnest prayer to receive revelation from God! Little time and hurry just spoil the picture! More time and early hours would most surely revive and invigorate dead spiritual lives!
Time spent with God will bring abundance to our lives! When we are devoted to Him in our quiet time, we will be devoted to Him in public!! Lingering in God’s presence and waiting upon Him opens spiritual eyes and ears!
More time and early hours produce holy living! A holy life would not be so rare and difficult if our devotional “quiet times” were not so short and hurried!
Silent and patient waiting on Him in prayer is lifeblood to the true believer!! Cry out to Him day and night and you will never be the same again!!” – Peter Pollock
Prayer is simply defined as communication from humans to God, involving earnest requests or entreaties,(smekinge) and it serves as a direct means of speaking one-on-one with the great God of the universe.
Scripture affirms that God hears the prayers of those who trust in Him,
Jeremiah 33:3 (Amp) – Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, fenced in and hidden, which you do not know (do not distinguish and recognize, have knowledge of and understand).
As seen in numerous Psalms, and Jesus emphasizes its importance by teaching the disciples to pray regularly.
He used phrases like "when you pray" rather than "if you pray."
This highlights prayer as essential to the Christian life.
It was modelled by Jesus Himself who frequently prayed to His Father, highlighting prayers role in developing humility, praise for God's holiness, oneness with His kingdom, and submission to His will.
The English word "pray" derived from Latin "prex," meaning a request, supplication(Smeking), or petition,(asking for things)
Prayer is approaching a Sovereign King, beginning with reverence toward "Our Father in heaven."
It includes intimate fellowship, emphasizing the believers' privileged access to God's power.
Hebrews 4:16 (Amp) - “Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].”
Prayer varies, from reflecting emotions from complaint to supplication, - and it is essential for seeking God, spiritual warfare, and aligning ourselves with His purpose.
Matthew 6:9-13 - "In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed (to treat Gods name as set apart, pure, and deserving of ultimate reverence) be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
Jesus provides the model prayer, beginning with praise for God's holiness and submission to His kingdom and will, it produces a humble attitude.
It includes daily requests for provisions and forgiveness, while prioritizing God's purpose over material needs, to be in line with heaven's order.
The prayer addresses God as "Our Father," implying a shared relationship with us and God.
Luke 18:1 - "Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart
Jesus commands persistent prayer, to avoid discouragement, Which He illustrated by the persistent widow, showing us how God responds to His children who cry out day and night.
Philippians 4:6 - "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication(a humble, earnest, respectful prayer), with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."
Psalm 55:17 - "Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, And He shall hear my voice."
David affirms regular prayer times, reflecting on our commitment to God's kingdom work and submission to His will, with assurance of being heard by Him.
James 5:15-16 - "And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."
Fervent(vurig) prayer, rooted in faith and fellowship, is effective, impacting healing and forgiveness through a sincere praying heart.
Scripture is very clear that prayer is a privilege which must fit into God's purpose and plan for our lives.
We cannot alter this clear instruction to pray – many don’t take prayer serious enough, we pray when we have time, or when we have a crises.
James 4:3 - “And even when you do ask you don’t get it because your whole aim is wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.”
In conclusion:
“Prayer is the measure of a man’s real spiritual condition” - E.M. Bounds
“Prayer is presented as a lifestyle of “Constant Communication” with God, not a mere duty or occasional activity”
1Thessalonians 5:17- “Never stop praying.”