Pray
Prayer. Though every believer comes to know salvation through the use of this powerful tool, the discipline is often forgotten years down the road. Hours may increase in Bible study and their service to the church may be 7 days a week, but the truth is, they lack intimacy with the God they devote their time to. Is anyone at fault here?
Granted, our worldly passions are a pain to overcome with the right affections, such as prayer (as Paul says, “For what I want to do, I do not do.” Rom 7:15), but where along the line do we lose sight of communicating with the God who saved us? This may have to do with unforeseen circumstances and bitterness of heart (which we are all prone to develop), yet a turmoil-free life is not guaranteed to believers once they give their lives to Christ. Instead, they are called to enter into an eternal communion with the Father, whom we access to in prayer through Jesus Christ.
Privilege to Pray
To be quite honest, I’ve heard more about the difficulty of prayer than it being a privilege. It’s probable that more Christians would welcome the discipline if they changed their perspective on it. But why should prayer be seen as a privilege?
“You shall not profane My holy name, but I will be sanctified among the sons of Israel; I am the LORD who sanctifies you,” — Leviticus 22:32
The truth is that God is a Holy God who remains “sanctified” (Lev. 22:32) in an idolatrous world. His holiness prohibits the full disclosure of himself from being in the presence of sin (which we all share). Because of Christ’s penal substitutionary atonement, we are no longer cut off (Eph. 2:12), but redeemed through the Son (Eph. 1:7) and are being sanctified by the Spirit (2 Thess. 2:13).
As Christians, we should not take for granted going to our “prayer closet,” for we were bought at a high price (1 Cor. 6:20). God not only allows us to cast our burdens on Him during this intimate time, but He also allows us to partake in His perfect will for the world. It is true, that God gives us, sinners who are made righteous, a say for our future. With this understanding we can see how the following two verses go hand-in-hand.
“This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” — 1 John 5:14
“And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive” — Matthew 21:22
Prayer is not some overdone, ineffective, outdated spiritual practice but a necessary discipline for those who wish to persevere through trials and ask God for divine intervention. This is a privilege.
Power of Corporate Prayer
Through the eyes of a visitor, prayer may seem pointless, but for the congregation therein lies mutual edification. When prayers are lifted up corporately, there is a faith displayed that pleases God (Heb. 11:6) that is not achieved in the prayer closet.
The discipline of prayer during corporate worship may also encourage the habit outside of church, if one has yet to do so. Prayer can be implemented in a worship service in a variety of ways including designating a time for the congregation to voice their petitions, thanksgivings and praise reports publicly and then, praying for them together. This will provide the congregation with a sense of community before God as they lift up their deepest concerns.
The Goal of Prayer
Til the arrival of the Eschaton, let us continue to pray for the salvation of those who need it. Let us develop the discipline of prayer as we recognize the privilege it is to speak with a Holy God. Let us pray with and for one another. Let us pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:16).
