P.R.A.Y.E.R - P for Purpose
You might remember that we did a series on Prayer a couple of years ago. It’s such an important topic that I wanted to do it again and update the content. None of us have a perfect prayer life but maybe this can help you make progress towards a balanced and intentional life of prayer. It cannot be overemphasized just how important it is in our walk with God.
The P of P.R.A.Y.E.R. is for purpose. What is the purpose of prayer?
Prayer is how we treat God - as God.
This is true in several key aspects:
Prayer is unique to our relationship with God. Prayer is the method that God chose for us to communicate with Him. Prayer takes us into the throne room of God and grants us a personal audience with our Heavenly Father. God can communicate with us in several ways including prayer, the Holy Spirit, His Word, His creation, and other Christians. We can talk about God, learn about God, and enjoy the fruits of a relationship with God but the only way that we can directly communicate with God is through prayer.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing…
Prayer reveals the heart and wisdom of God. Prayer is how the life of God in us is nourished. Prayer is not simply a means of making requests of God, but to know God Himself. Prayer helps us become one with the Father and build our dependency upon Him. When we spend time with Him, we realize how powerful, able, and good He is and how much we need him. As we discover God’s heart and wisdom, our heart becomes aligned with His. This helps us recognize our place and purpose.
James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Prayer makes us more like Jesus. Clearly prayer was important to Jesus. It was His lifeline and connection to our Heavenly Father. He prayed with others, for others, and on his own. It was a fundamental part of how he approached each day and every decision, retreating faithfully to spend time with his Father. Prayer equipped him for the battles he faced and revealed God’s desires and direction.
A vibrant and intentional prayer life will help us become more like Jesus. Prayer transforms our heart and our actions. When we find forgiveness through prayer, God softens our heart and allows us to forgive others. When we experience God’s compassion and mercy, we desire to share it with others. We have all heard the truth that “prayer changes things.” As the hands and feet of Christ, it is also true that “Prayer changes us and equips us for God’s work.”
Prayer is an act of worship. Prayer plays a key role in our worship of God. When we pray, we recognize God for who He is and what He has done. Our focus is on God, not on ourselves and our wish list. We proclaim His virtues and praise Him for His power, wisdom, love, and ability to bring ultimate good from any situation. Prayer helps us see our own circumstances for what they are - firmly within His grasp. This is the essence of worshipping God through prayer.
Stay hungry,
Big E
Matt. 5:6