The Godly Gazette (What is Prayer?)

What is Prayer?

Colossians 4:2 - Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. NIV

Prayer is conversing and communicating with God. Most people consider prayer to be talking to God, but is really much more than that. Prayer is also listening to what God has to say to you.

Prayer is a very powerful and important practice for opening your life to God. You should consider prayer as a spiritual discipline, and make it a big part of your daily routine. Prayer, of course, is much more than a daily spiritual disciple, but treated as such, will enable you to attain the single-mindedness needed to ward off the many distractions that can interrupt, or keep you from prayer.

Matthew 6:7/8 - “And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” NIV

Prayer is not a complicated or pumped up version of “saying the right words”. God does not want you to pray like the pagans to impress or manipulate, but to use simple, straightforward talk, as Jesus taught His disciples. (Matthew 6:9-15).

Prayer is not something that is done only before meals or during church services. It is not limited to bowed heads, clasped hands, and closed eyes. It is paying attention to God (listening and watching), and being aware that God is ever present.

God says in His Word to pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17 says - pray continually. NIV) This means that wherever you go and whatever you do, you go and do with the awareness that God is always present.

Your prayers can be hours of listening in silence and solitude, or quickly said for someone in a passing car. They may be spoken as you kneel at your bed, or silently voices as you walk into a meeting.

Philippians 4:6 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. NIV

Prayer is bringing yourself into the presence of God, through Jesus, to release your burdens and anxieties. It is also a time for thankful acknowledgement of His mercies, and bringing your requests before God.

Prayer is spending time with God. It brings glory and honor to God, and gives Him the opportunity to work in your life.

How Should We Pray?

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