The New Oxford American Dictionary defines “prayer” as “a request for help or an expression of thanks addressed to God.” For the Christian, prayer is conversation with God, through Jesus, our Intercessor.
Adam and Eve enjoyed face-to-face communication with God as He walked and spoke with them in the Garden. Unfortunately, their disobedience and rebellion severed their relationship with God, thereby, separating both them and humanity from Him. Fortunately for us that relationship was restored with God through the shed blood of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Prayerlessness (failure to communicate with God) ties His hands. He gave us dominion over the earth with a command to subdue it (Genesis 1:28). But man must pray for God to intervene. He gave us a free will to choose Him or the world. He cannot and will not violate His laws nor force His will or agenda on us, which is why we must pray and intercede for ourselves, our families, friends, our nation, and for the lost and dying.
Prayer initiates the supernatural intervention of God who desires to move on behalf of His creation; however, He waits for us to ask. And in asking, we have confidence that whatever we ask the Father in the name of Jesus, God will respond (John 16:23). However, there is a caveat to this statement. When asking, we must examine our motives. Are we seeking His will? Are our motives altruistic or selfish?
Prayer is a mobilizing force that should be the first line of defense. An important part of prayer is listening for God’s voice within our spirit and then obeying. When we pray and mediate on His Word we become transformed by its truth. Unfortunately, prayer is often a last resort after all human efforts have been exhausted. And it is apathy towards prayer and God’s Word that empowers the enemy to rob, kill, and destroy.
The Apostle Paul exhorted followers of Christ to pray without ceasing (I Thessalonians 5:17). When praying, Satan and his demonic forces tremble in fear. They know that prayer moves God and His angels into action against the powers of darkness. “For the Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth” (Psalm 145:18).
King David cried out before the LORD, and God heard him out of His holy hill (Psalm 3:4). The children of Israel cried to the LORD for deliverance from bondage and they were set free from their oppressors. Samson, blinded by his enemies, asked God for supernatural strength to destroy his enemies, and God answered. Hannah entreated the LORD for a son, and she conceived. The centurion asked Jesus to speak the Word that his servant would be healed, and it was done. King Solomon asked for a discerning heart to judge God’s people. Because he had not asked for things or for power, the Lord gave Solomon wisdom, understanding, riches and honor, making him the wealthiest king ever to rule (I Kings 3:9-11).
Throughout the Bible, men and women’s prayerful petitions were answered according to God’s will and in His time. Most importantly, the reasuring words, “And God heard,” are repeated throughout Scripture.
Prayer is the heartfelt communication with God who desires fellowship with us. The definition of communication is the exchange of information. In other words, we speak and then listen for God to respond through His Spirit which is within each born-again believer. Imagine how limiting a relationship would be if communication was only one way.
Prayer is a conversation with God and not a mantra of vain useless repetitions (Matthew 6:7). The beauty of prayer (a conversation with God) is that it can be done while driving, walking, jogging, working in the yard, showering, resting, etc. It does not matter the time or place. God never sleeps and is accessible twenty-four-seven. But we must be willing and ready to listen for His still voice that speaks into our spirit to lead, guide, direct, and comfort us.
Praying, listening, and speaking God’s Word are vital keys in communicating with Him and taking authority over the enemy. God states, “I am watching over My word to perform it.” When we speak His Word back to Him in prayer, we are calling upon the very truths He is eager to fulfill (Jeremiah 1:12).
Prayer and reading His Word will teach us how to apply His Word to everyday life, for His Word is alive, powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). His Word never fails and is like a heat-seeking missile that speedily finds its target.
We cannot ignore the great delivering, healing power in speaking God’s Word, for in speaking His Word, demonic forces are subdued, and angels are summoned to fight for us. Jesus told His disciples that if they would speak in faith to problems that those things would be removed (Matthew 17:20-21).
God’s Word is life, and life generates power and energy. When His Word is spoken, His life force goes forth to do exactly what was spoken, for it is His spoken Word that gave life and form to all creation and continues to give life and form today.
Neglecting prayer and God’s Word is the same as draining the body of its life’s blood. For God’s Word is creative, restorative, regenerative life to the mind, body, soul, and spirit. Jesus is the Word, and the Word is life. To ignore God’s Word is to ignore the power of His Son and the Source of life.
Daily, we witness the earth groaning under violence. We hear the threat of wars and can, through the media, witness actual wars that are happening today. Freedoms are being attacked from within our country, but Jesus warned that in the last days we would see these things and much more and to watch for His return least we be caught off guard due to careless living (Matthew 24:4-13).
Spiritual slumber and prayerlessness robs us of God’s blessings and protection. Thus, we must be resolute in our prayers and speak His Word.
PRAYER: FATHER, I need your help today. I ask that You meet my urgent need. Your saints of old believed that You are the God who answers, so they sought You with all their heart and You answered and provided. Therefore, I seek You with my whole heart and ask that You help me stand firm on Your Word, believing in Your faithfulness to me. In Jesus’ name, amen.