What is your prayer life like?

[Cato]

From his book “Prayer” by O. Hallesby

“Prayer should be the means by which I, at all times, receive all that I need, and, for this reason, be my daily refuge, my daily consolation, my daily joy, my source of rich and inexhaustible joy in life. From this it is very apparent also that children of God can grieve Jesus in no worse way than to neglect prayer. For by so doing they sever the connection between themselves and the Savior, and their inner life is doomed to be withered and crippled, as is the case with most of us. Many neglect prayer to such an extent that their spiritual life gradually dies out.”

Please stop and read that first paragraph again. Prayer should be my refuge. Prayer should be my daily consolation. Prayer should be my daily and inexhaustible joy. Can you, and can I honestly say that? What would our church be like today if the vast majority understood prayer this way? What would the church as a whole be like in America? If there is any hope, it must start with you and with me. We must experience it for ourselves. And we must disciple others with a passion about the importance of prayer. I pray that it has or will become your daily refuge, your daily consolation, and your inexhaustible joy! If not, why not begin now to pray specifically that God would deepen your prayer life in this way.

[Biblethumpncop]

Cato,

That is very convicting, and is probably why no one has responded. I know that prayer is the only way for two way communication with the Lord, but sometimes it is hard to put into practice. Why is it hard? Once you have experienced the joy and peace of being the the family of God, you would think that you would constantly want to be talking with him and seeking guidance. Its funny how you can experience a mountain top high and be in constant prayer and devotion. If you continue that schedule of daily prayer and devotion, you can combat the hectic schedule we've incorporated into our lives. But if the regamaro of daily life and the busy schedules we've made for ourselves becomes more important that time with our Father, then we start to slack off. We read a little less, pray shorter and less and find our crisis levels rise.

You are right, it should be a constant desire in the body of Christ, to be in constant "passion about the importance of prayer". I too pray that I become more passionate about prayer and the devotion that goes hand in hand. Involvement in an accountability group helps. I'm on my way to one now....at 5:30 am. It's my first at this hour. Prayer is the only thing to keep me commited. Man that's early!

[larry]

Cato, it's sad to say, but I fear that prayer is probably one of the most, if not the most, neglected christain disiplines. prayer is really a blessed gift that our God has given to us. a direct channel to Him, and next to His word, the best way to know and experience Him.
it is certainly an area that the enemy attacks in our lives. if he can cause us to cease praying, one of the greatest channels for God to work and will in our lives will be severed. 15-20 years ago every chuch had mid week prayer meetings that were well attended. now, many churches have abandoned prayer meetings altogether, and and the majority that still have them, the attendance is quite small. and we so often wonder where the power has gone.......while at the same time we no longer seek his guidence in all matters/ worship Him/exalt Him/wait upon Him through the obedient act of prayer.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phil. 4;6-7

larry

[Cato]

Well said there Larry. Our own church has a mid week service, but it seems it has evolved more into a Bible study than real prayer time.

It also seems like most of our prayer in church has become inward, and it is very often for health needs of members.

The story of Brooklyn Tabernacle, and its pastor Jim Cymbala is an awesome account of how God honors and loves for His people to pray. The book chronicles the growth of this inner city church that made a core committment to prayer from a membership of under 50, to something like 7,000 and over 15 foster churches.

Prayer is an awesome privilege. How many of us would be "impressed" with ourselves if we got an invitation to the White House? But here, the Creator of the Universe has invited us into personal conversation. And sadly, we often just don't have time for Him.

I stand convicted.

[Bill McNeal]

One of main things that Christians need to realize is that the main purpose of prayer is to Glorify God. Sadly many believe that prayer is something designed by God, and taught by Jesus, in order for us to get stuff, and this seems to be the case in Luke 11, where Jesus says "Ask and it will be given", yet reality Jesus is teaching about the Spiritual Gifts of the Father.

Perhaps the greatest indication that prayer is for Gods Glorification is the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 6:5-14. Here Jesus first tells us that prayer is not to be a public spectacle in temples, and on street corners to be heard by men, but rather to be a personal , and direct relation with God himself, keeping our prayers, direct, and simple.


A very telling verse is verse 8. Here we see God say that "He already knows our needs, before we ask". How about that!. If God already knows our needs, why the need to pray?. Why not just fill that need?. Simple; though God knows our needs, He designed prayer to Glorify Himself, and He simply wants us to ask Him. He wants to hear His children call on His name, even though He already knows their needs as Scripture says. Also, when we call on His Name, He wants it to be with reverence to Him........"""Our Father in heaven, hallowed be YOUR Name, YOUR will be done, on earth as it is in heaven"""

Beloved, God created man for His Good Will, Purpose, and Pleasure. It is only natural that He also designs the prays of His children to Pleasure Himself. Prayer is not about us, but rather prayer is a submission of a child to a father. In a human analogy, every father here knows our child may want something, but we can all testify to the fact that it makes us feel good when they come and ask us........"daddy can I please..........". Though God is God, He still is a Father who delights in the prayers, or askings if you will of His children, though He already knows their needs.

When prayer is approached this way, when it is done within the Spirit of which it was designed, it then becomes as natural as breathing, and never suspect to neglect, for who here does not wish to pleasure God?

Shalom!

[rallen]

Bill,

I say amen to what you posted about many Christians believing that prayer is just an "order form" to get what we want from God! While he does want us to ask him for our needs, he more wants us to communicate with him for the sole purpose of glorifying him! This does not just mean in our private prayer, but in our corporate prayer, as well.

I remember how humbling it was for my wife and I to hear our church members pray when we were missionaries in Peru. These people had nothing, materialistically speaking. Yet, because they were not preocupied with the things of this world (Matt 6:25 -33) they had the riches of their faith. When they prayed, it was never about themselves, it always had to do with the kingdom of God and the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of others. They even prayed for the terrorists who robbed us, shot at us, and even killed some of our church members. When others in our neigborhood (a slum area of over 1 million refugees) visited and heard these people pray, they could sense the very presence of God, simply because these people were honoring God in their public prayer. They were not afraid to praise God openly in prayer. How powerful that was.

I have pastored two churches here in the USA. While I did have some mighty prayer warriors in my churches, it was never close to the power of prayer that we experienced in other countries where we served. If ALL American Christians were that serious and devoted to prayer, we would see America change! Oh that God would convict us and encourage us in our prayer lives, that we might better glorfiy him and become mighty ambassadors for him! :amen:

Richard

[WildmanSC]

Bill,

I say amen to what you posted about many Christians believing that prayer is just an "order form" to get what we want from God! While he does want us to ask him for our needs, he more wants us to communicate with him for the sole purpose of glorifying him! This does not just mean in our private prayer, but in our corporate prayer, as well.

I remember how humbling it was for my wife and I to hear our church members pray when we were missionaries in Peru. These people had nothing, materialistically speaking. Yet, because they were not preocupied with the things of this world (Matt 6:25 -33) they had the riches of their faith. When they prayed, it was never about themselves, it always had to do with the kingdom of God and the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of others. They even prayed for the terrorists who robbed us, shot at us, and even killed some of our church members. When others in our neigborhood (a slum area of over 1 million refugees) visited and heard these people pray, they could sense the very presence of God, simply because these people were honoring God in their public prayer. They were not afraid to praise God openly in prayer. How powerful that was.

I have pastored two churches here in the USA. While I did have some mighty prayer warriors in my churches, it was never close to the power of prayer that we experienced in other countries where we served. If ALL American Christians were that serious and devoted to prayer, we would see America change! Oh that God would convict us and encourage us in our prayer lives, that we might better glorfiy him and become mighty ambassadors for him! :amen:

Richard

Bro Richard,

Welcome aboard. I believe this is the first time I have seen you post. And praise the Lord for your service to Him on the Mission field overseas and here in the USA. Yes, missions does start in Jerusalem!

The Bible commands us to pray without ceasing. It also tells us that there are two means of accessing the power of the Holy Spirit, prayer and praise. I think we all to often fall way short on both accounts. When we do, we start sliding down the slippery slope of carnality and the drop is quick and sudden. Getting back up is only through the power of the Holy Spirit!

Is it too late for revival in the USA? Not if God's soldiers get serious about the battle, get on their knees and start praying without ceasing!!

I for one have to say oh me, much more often than I say Amen!! Please pray for me, I need to be more consistent in my prayer life and in sharing the gospel of Christ Jesus and Him cruficied and resurrected with others.

Bill