A LIFE OF PRAYER

It is essential to your walk of faith. Prayer should not be regarded as a 'duty', but as a 'privilege'. The idea that Almighty God has made a way for you to commune with Him is astounding and should not be taken lightly ...

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men ... that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 

Four types are mentioned ...

1. Supplications - When you see your spiritual poverty in contrast to God’s sufficiency, your impotence in contrast to His omnipotence, and your helplessness in contrast to the Lord's provision ... these prayers are made on the basis of need; 'entreaties' to supply that which is lacking. 

2. Prayers - Adoration, devotion, and worship will usher you into God's presence. Desire the things that can only be satisfied by His Spirit ... forgiveness which He alone can grant, assurance which He alone can bestow, and strength which He alone can provide. 

3. Intercessions - You can offer these 'conversational' petitions through a Mediator, God's Son. A true believer is allowed to talk freely, even in the presence of Holiness. In the same way that Christ intercedes on your behalf, you are to pray for the needs of others. 

4. Thanksgiving - Prayer is not only used for 'asking'; it is the means by which you offer gratitude for God's mercy and grace. You have the right to bring your needs, desires, and requests to the Lord; but you also have an obligation to bring Him praise and thanksgiving.

Chadwick - Satan fears nothing from prayerless study, prayerless work, and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom ... but trembles when we pray. 

 

You may think your prayers sound halting and awkward; that your words seem feeble and ineffective. But know this, pilgrim ... The power of prayer is in the One who hears it, not in the one who says it.