In Part 1 of this blog I simply want to share a few important thoughts about prayer. In it, I will expose both the need and importance of prayer in our lives. As believers, we should know the value of prayer, in other words, why we should pray. So here are six things prayer is.
- Prayer is part of a growing relationship with God.
- “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance is in the saints”
(Ephesians 1:17-18 KJV) - The goal here is to know Christ better and what He has done for us.
- Remember prayer doesn’t make God love us or accept us more, He already does. Prayer shows we love God and want to be with Him.
- Prayer shouldn’t just be a religious form but heart felt obedience done out of a relationship and love for God.
- “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance is in the saints”
- Prayer is to be part of every disciple’s life
- Jesus’ disciples asked Him to teach them to pray.
- The early church disciples embraced prayer as part of their new life in Christ.
- “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles” doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:42 KJV)
- Prayer is an action that helps us to establish God’s will in our lives.
- Prayer is one of the tracks our lives run on. The plan that God has for our lives.
- It’s been said, “What’s prayed for, is paid for.”
- We can pray out our future
- “For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.”
(1 Corinthians 14:2 KJV) - “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” (Romans 8:26-27 KJV)
- Prayer is a means of releasing our faith and receiving from God.
- “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” (Mark 11:24 KJV)
- “And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say onto you whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my Name, he will give it to you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my Name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” (John 16:23-24 KJV)
- Prayer is designed to make our lives fruitful for the kingdom of God
- “Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my Name, He may give it to you.” (John 15:16 KJV)
- “If ye abide in me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples.” (John 15:7-8)
- Prayer is asking to receive something but prayer is more than asking, it is also the giving of thanks and praising God.
- It has also been said, “Praise is the highest form of prayer”.
- The book of Psalm was known to Israel as its prayer and praise book. We can see those prayers and praises throughout.
- “I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.” (Psalm 34:1-3 KJV)
- “So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations.” (Psalm 79:13 KJV)
- “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.” (Psalm 100:4 KJV)