The word ‘prayer’ has over the time become a religious cliché among many Christian folks so much so that the real essence/meaning is gradually eroding the minds of many. Quite a number of people would love to be prayer champions but never get to overcome the initial inertia because somewhere in their minds prayer is seen as an uninteresting activity, burden or a sheer waste of time. But then, why is the Holy Scriptures replete about instructions to pray if prayer was so insignificant to our daily Christian living?
What Is Prayer?
There’s basically no exact definition of prayer from scriptures, but by the precepts laid down on how prayers were made in scriptures, it can be defined as “a conscious activity of communication done by man to fellowship so as to receive instruction (Acts 13:1), minister on behalf of men (Colossians 4:12), or to ask for needs from God”. Prayer has never been and will never be unconscious, it is CONSCIOUS! This is a common mistake among many where they try to buy/waste time instead of consciously talking to a person. Prayer is worshipful and reverential in nature. You don’t stand/bow before a king and not know what you’re doing; it is tantamount to dishonour of the king himself. Please do yourself a favour, be reverential to God when you pray. Be alert, conscious, active and full of life about your prayer life.
Why Should I Pray?
Primarily, prayer was given to a believer not as a suggestion or an advice, but as an instruction. The church was born into prayer (Acts 2:1-4), no little wonder the apostles said “as for us, we’ll give ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the word” – Acts 6:2. Prayer is our only means of communication/fellowship with our father. It is the medium by which the supernatural contacts the natural.
How Should I Pray?
A classic example on how to pray is seen in the life of Elijah (James 5:16-17). The prayer that works is effectual (energy put forth from within), fervent (continuous, passionate, zealous, hot) and is that of a righteous man (by faith in Christ – 2 Corinthians 5:21). This kind of prayer is said to avail much (accomplish much, win much).
Important Quotes On Prayer
- A prayerless man is one who has shut up God’s power from operation in and through his life.
- The hallmark of true spirituality is prayer.
- There’s no man God stamped His presence through that wasn’t a man of prayer.
- A man that kneels before God would stand before any situation.
- A prayerful Christian is able to overcome the temptations of sin when they show forth (Matthew 26:49).
- A prayerful man is one who has complete trust in God.
- God’s purposes are committed to praying men.
- Prayer is a necessary employment for every believer.
- Prayer is the pathway for God to show up in any situation in your life.