Over the next few weeks I will be sending to you parts of a booklet that I have put together on prayer. Today’s weekly word begins with the introduction and the first section entitled “Why Pray?”
A Biblical Guide to Prayer - Part 1
Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice, And be gracious to me and answer me.
When Thou didst say, "Seek My face," my heart said to Thee, "Thy face, O Lord, I shall seek." -Psalm 27:7 & 8
Introduction
There is often much confusion amongst Christians over prayer. Though every Christian knows that prayer is important and an essential part of their walk with God, they often find themselves lacking in the exercise of it. They know that they need to pray and that they should pray but they often fail to do so. As a result, they are ridden with guilt (especially when they get around other Christians who talk much about prayer, extolling the importance of it and making themselves to appear as mighty prayer warriors but who in reality rarely practice what they preach. Those who have a strong prayer life rarely talk about it to others or wear it on their sleeves for it is an intimate communion with God) and surrender themselves to thinking of themselves as if they were some “second class” sort of Christian.
There are various reasons why Christians fail to pray. They simple may not know how to or they may be confused by all the various teachings and opinions of men on the subject. The Christian may make a noble attempt to be more faithful in praying and then find that they having many questions about the subject of prayer.
It is my firm belief that prayer is not as complicated and confusing as some think it to be. For it to be so goes against all who God is. Sure, there are things that we will never understand (on this side of heaven) about God and His ways but God is not a God of confusion. The gospel is not complicated nor did He intend for our walk with Him to be either. When our walk starts to become complicated it is only because we are doing it in the flesh and we are being deceived by the enemy himself. But I am afraid, lest as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds should be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3).
It is also my firm conviction that the Scriptures give us everything that we need to know about prayer and how to do it. That is why I have put this little booklet together. The Holy Scriptures are our only rule for faith and practice so it is to the Holy Scriptures that we must look to clear up the confusion about prayer. In this booklet I will lay down much Scripture for you to read, consider, and to “pray” over (for only as we pray the Scriptures can we be confident that we are praying according to the will of God). Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would guide His disciples into all truth (John 16:13) and He uses the Scriptures to do just that.
I’ve primarily organized this booklet as a topical study on the subject of prayer. However, it is by no means an exhaustive study. I have not listed all Scriptures regarding prayer though I have tried to cover all issues. I have included one section where I address specific questions that Christians have on some particular issues and I also make comments in various sections where I think appropriate. Other than that I believe that God will teach us as we abide in His word.
It is my prayer that God will use this booklet to help clear up any confusion that you may have and that it will encourage you to become more faithful in prayer. What a privilege we have been given through Jesus Christ to be able to enter into the very throne of heaven – to be able to approach God the Father Himself and to commune with Him.
May your walk with Him grow in intimacy as you fellowship with Him through prayer.
Why Pray?
People who come to the realization that God is sovereign – that He is in total control of everything that happens and that His will cannot be thwarted – often wonder what difference it will make if they pray or not. Why should I pray if God is in control? is the common question. The simple answer to that question is that God has commanded us to. Since He has commanded us to then we can rest knowing that in His sovereignty He uses our prayers to accomplish His will. Prayer is the means that God gives us to participate in His work.
By our obeying God through praying we bring Him glory and offer up a fragrant aroma to Him (see Revelation 4:8 and 8:3, 4).
1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually.
Isaiah 55:6 Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near.
Luke 21:36 But keep on the alert at all times, praying in order that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.
Ephesians 6:18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,
Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving;
1 Thessalonians 5:17 pray without ceasing;
1 Timothy 2:8 Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.
1 Samuel 12:23 Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you; but I will instruct you in the good and right way.
By God's Grace ~ Through God's Word ~ For God's Glory!
Chuck Long
©God’sGWG
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By Chuck Long. ©God’sGWG. Website:
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When Thou didst say, "Seek My face,"
my heart said to Thee, "Thy face, O Lord, I shall seek." –Psalm 27:8
