Some believers approach prayer as a mere routine task, comparable to ticking off an item on their daily to-do list. However, the Bible offers a vastly different viewpoint on its importance and role in the life of those belonging to Christ.
As we continue our study, let’s examine the apostle’s and New Testament writers’ assessment of prayer and its critical role in our lives. Though stated in various ways, the basic sentiment is we are to give or surrender ourselves to a lifetime of prayer. Here are a few examples.
Consistent and Unceasing Prayer
“I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day….” 2 Timothy 1:3
“night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith?” 1 Thessalonians 3:10
“do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers:” Ephesians 1:16
For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; Colossians 1:9
“but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word." Acts 6:4
and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. Luke 2:37
Now she who is really a widow, and left alone, trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. 1 Timothy 5:5
These passages alone are adequate to clearly prove the importance and necessity of prayer. It is not an option of something we put on the backburner and hopefully get around to later. It is the spiritual air we breathe. We can’t truly live without it.
Communication with God through prayer is more vital than communication with friends and family on our cell phones, Facetime, Twitter, or Facebook. While the majority of people make time for daily interaction with others through these means, they ignore God, the most important Person in their lives.
As previously highlighted, Jesus said “men ought to always pray and not to faint” (Luke 18:1), and His Father’s house was a “house of prayer” (Matthew 21:13). New Testament believers are living temples of God and should therefore be in constant fellowship with Him in prayer, thanksgiving, worship, and praise.
“…For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.” Isaiah 56:7
And He said to them, "It is written, 'MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER,' but you have made it a 'DEN OF THIEVES.'" Matthew 21:13
‘…you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.’ 1 Peter 2:5
The New Testament apostles considered prayer such a priority, they even mandated widows to devote their lives to it (1 Timothy 5:5) prior to being considered as recipients of charity from the church. This is a stark contrast from most church models today.
Prayer is work, and although many people are competent workers on their job, they often shrink back from prayer, because it takes a different kind of stamina and discipline. To give yourself to prayer, as shown above, you must first conquer the restlessness of your flesh and mind and bring them into submission to your spirit and the Spirit of God.
You must resist the forces of darkness and their distractions and come into a place in your spirit and soul that ignores the natural realm to lay ahold of the realm of the Spirit. Paul makes this clear when he admonished the church in Ephesus.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—Ephesians 6:10-18
This is not always easy, and at times requires tremendous effort to stay focused, be intentional, and committed to “praying through” situations that come up in life. At such times we may devote ourselves to fasting for a period of time to bring our focus back in line with the Lord.
Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 1 Corinthians 7:5
Notice the term “give yourselves to fasting and prayer.” As previously pointed out, this term or phrase is repeated or implied throughout the New Testament. Prayer (extended times of prayer) requires giving of ourselves—a surrender and submission of our spirit, soul, and body.
Prayer Over Complaining
Anyone of us can complain about our circumstances, but the Bible instructs us to pray instead.
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. James 5:13b
Having access to the God, through prayer, is an awesome privilege. It is one of our strongest offensive and defensive weapons which we must learn to continually employ.
We’ve been afforded the profound privilege of approaching our Heavenly Father to petition Him for help, protection, provision, and upholding power in times of need, not only for ourselves but others who are struggling in the midst of sufferings.
More next time. Until then, may God our Heavenly Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, richly bless and keep you.
James Brown 10/09/2023