The Zone Gathering

Pastor Mark began the “Y: Why We Do What We Do” series on Sunday by talking about why we pray. Since the Bible has a lot to say about this important spiritual discipline, today’s Bible Drill seeks to further explore the “why” and “how” of prayer and its importance in the life of a disciple.

Prayer is the primary way we communicate with God. Webster’s Dictionary defines the word pray in several ways, but one definition sticks out: “to address God…with adoration, confession, supplication or thanksgiving.” Pastor Mark talked a lot on Sunday about expectations – prayer is one way we express our expectations to God and allow Him to sanctify those expectations.

WHY we pray

The Bible is filled with examples of the benefits of prayer, but before examining those, it is important to acknowledge the primary reason we pray: God had commanded us to pray. Jesus exhorts us to “pray to [y]our Father who is in secret” (Matt. 6:6) and to “pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:28). God also uses the apostles to sound the call to prayer. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, we are commanded to “pray without ceasing.” Colossians 4:2, the focal verse of Pastor Mark’s sermon, instructs us to “devote [y]ourselves to prayer being watchful and thankful.”

In addition to commanding us to pray, Scripture reveals several benefits to practicing this spiritual discipline. As James wrote, “the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” (James 5:16). Prayer is a remedy for anxiety (Phil. 4:6-7) and trouble (James 5:13). Prayer may result in healing (James 5:14-15) and is critical to the confession of and forgiveness from sin (James 5:16-17). Prayer also is a powerful tool against the enemy and is addressed in the same passage where Paul discusses the armor of God (Eph. 6:13-19).

Praying for one another also is a disciple’s responsibility to his/her community and the body of Christ. Acts 2:42 demonstrates that the early church continually “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” 2 Corinthians 13:7-9 illustrates how prayer is offered to stave off sin and to complete/perfect individuals.

Now that we have examined some of the benefits of prayer and WHY we should pray, let’s examine the HOW.

HOW to pray

If you have ever thought “I know I am supposed to pray, but I don’t know how,” don’t worry – you are in good company. Jesus’ own disciples needed a little help and didn’t hesitate to ask Him for it – “Lord, teach us to pray…” (Luke 11:1). Jesus responded by introducing them to what we call the Lord’s Prayer (Luke 11:2-4; Matt 6:9-13).

Many Christians throughout the ages have debated whether the Lord’s Prayer is meant to be recited as written or whether Jesus intended it as a model of prayer. I lean toward the latter interpretation. The Lord’s Prayer is a pattern for prayer. This means that prayer can be taught, prayer can be learned, and it is a discipline which must be practiced. Indeed, the various phrases of the Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6:9-13) contain essential elements of prayer.

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name (WORSHIP)
Thy Kingdom come (ALLEGIANCE)
Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. (SUBMISSION OF WILL)
Give us this day our daily bread (PETITION)
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors (CONFESSION)
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil (DELIVERANCE)
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. (WORSHIP)

If you have never seen the Lord’s Prayer broken down into these elements, you may be more familiar with the “ACTS” model of prayer: adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication (humbly presenting our requests to God). Both of these are excellent models if you need structure to help you obey the command to pray.

Another great way to learn how to pray is to read prayers in the Bible and observe the prayer habits of others. The Bible is full of prayers offered by godly people (the entire book of Psalms is a collection of prayers and praises, and a great place to start if you want to learn to “pray the Word”). A walk through the prayers of Jesus in the gospels sheds light on the most intimate relationship anyone has ever had with God. There are prayer warriors at NCC, too – finding someone to disciple you in the discipline of prayer can be an important step in your own spiritual journey.

The Bible does outline some instructions and guidelines for praying (see Matt. 6:6-7 particularly), but it also gives great encouragement to those who pray. For those of you, like me, who struggle with maintaining consistency in your prayer life, try experimenting with different models and ways of praying. For some, journaling prayers may provide focus. Others can get into “prayer mode” by praying outdoors, enjoying God’s creation. Find what works for you, and don’t be afraid to be bold in prayer. God is there, waiting and eager to listen and to speak to you. Set aside a time and place, and go for it!

Listed below are a few verses you may find instructive or encouraging as you seek to grow in the discipline of prayer. But I also call on all of us to encourage one another. What do you find most helpful in approaching God in prayer? Do you have a defined time and place, as Pastor Mark suggested? What approaches/models/habits work best for you? Please post a comment and be a blessing to each other.

VERSES

Instruction and Encouragement

Matt. 6:6-7
2 Thess. 3:1
Luke 6:28
Heb. 13:18
Romans 8:26-27
James 5:13-16
1 Cor. 14:13-15
Prov. 15:29
Eph. 6:18
Phil. 4:6-7
Jude 20-21

Christ’s Example

Matt. 14:23; 19:13; 26:36
Luke 6:12; 9:28; 18:1; 22:40
John 17:1-26

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 11th, 2006 at 9:14 am and is filed under News and Updates. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.