Friends, I’m overwhelmed by the sheer number of resources out there when it comes to prayer. A Google search of “How to Pray Christian” yields over 172M results. A search for books on prayer at Christianbook.com, over six thousand titles. That same search on Amazon, over sixty thousand titles.
One would think with all these resources, we would be experts in the method and execution of prayer. However, in my experience, nothing could be further from the truth. I don’t know anyone, even friends who pray often and long, who don’t think their prayer life could be better.
As we discussed last week, for the Christian, prayer is a necessity - not an option. But how we incorporate prayer into our lives is a decision each one of us has to make.
Paul exhorted the Thessalonians to “pray without ceasing.” What does this really mean? Are we to pray about every single thing we do throughout the day? Well, maybe.
The Expositor’s Bible Commentary says, “There are few works that cannot be accompanied with prayer; there are few indeed that cannot be preceded by prayer; there is none at all that would not profit by prayer.”
The reality is, that we ARE dependent upon God for everything. Our very thoughts, abilities, even our next breath depend upon Him. In Christ, all things consist. (Col 1:17) He upholds all things by the word of His power. (Heb 1:3) The natural life we live is from God and we are supported in it by Him.
“for in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28)
Paul wants us to be conscious of our dependence on God by "praying without ceasing" and training the very structure of our thoughts to recognize we can do nothing without Him. And more than that; to become so conscious of Him, we don’t want to do anything without Him.
Rather than formal prayers of Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication, these are private prayers from the heart offered as we go about our daily lives.
The greatest tool we have in making our life a prayer is the Holy Spirit. When we are saved, the Holy Spirit takes up residence inside of us. We have full access to His divine presence. But we rarely give Him complete control of our lives. As we give Him more of ourselves and allow Him to work in our lives, He helps us to, “pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.” (Eph 6:18)
The “filling” of the Holy Spirit isn’t us receiving more of Him. Rather, He is getting more of us!
The practice of prayer isn’t easy. It is so natural for us not to pray that we easily forget. We may need to use visual or audible reminders throughout the day to help us get in the habit of praying. That’s okay.
But don’t miss the number one best way to make your life a prayer.
ASK!
Begin your day, the moment you open your eyes, with prayer. Ask God to help you be more mindful of His presence. Ask Him to turn your thoughts to Him throughout the day. To help you be aware of your dependence upon Him. God wants you to seek Him. And He will answer the prayers of the faithful.
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Heb 11:6)
Shalom.
He must increase and I must decrease! As I spend more time with Him, I become more like Him and less like the world.
I tell my kids, "Show Mr your friends and I'll show you your future ".
We become like those we associate with. If I want more of Him, to become more like Him, I must spend time with Him and prayer is an essential part of our relationship with Him.
Wonderful post!
Dear June, this is such a profound, kind invitation into the depths of our Father's heart toward us. Thank you for this ode to the joys and delights and necessities of a deepening, steady conversation with Him.