PRAYER

You asked some insightful questions about Prayer. Things like:

1. If God is Omniscient, (all knowing,) doesn’t he already know what we need? 
2. If God is both Omnipotent (all powerful) and good, won’t he provide it whether we pray or not?
3. So … why pray? Does it make a difference?

This common line of reasoning has a certain biblical “plausibility”. Scripture clearly teaches that GOD is all-knowing, and He is all powerful. But to infer from these truths that prayer is unnecessary, is to overlook the broader, more complete teaching of Scripture. The Bible does teach us that everything we need for life and godliness is found in GOD, the one who knows our need before we ask. However, it does NOT teach us that these things are bestowed upon us automatically, as a matter of OUR RIGHTS!

At the heart of it, prayer is a way of cultivating a relationship with GOD and actively partnering with Him in His work… “on earth as it is in heaven”. Prayer isn't just about asking GOD for things, but about aligning with GOD’s purposes and acting in accordance with our decision. Talking to GOD about what we are doing together can also become a helpful, holy way to process emotions, fears, and doubts, and to find comfort and guidance in times of hardship and confusion.

Jesus himself was a man of prayer. He taught his followers:

• Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7)
• Have faith in GOD… whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (Mark. 11:22, 24)
• If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. (Matthew 21:22)
• This kind can come out only by prayer. (Mark 9:29)

Why pray? Because the Sovereign GOD, who is both Omniscient and Omnipotent, has established prayer as the means by which we receive what HE has promised. Through this established means of grace, GOD will fulfill what he has ordained.

In essence, prayer is not just a request to GOD to do something or fix something, but it is a vital part of the spiritual journey.

• When prayer becomes relational we find an ongoing, nurturing connection with GOD.  
• When we learn to rely first on prayer for guidance, we begin to experience wisdom and direction from GOD, particularly in times of uncertainty.  
• When prayer becomes our way of following Jesus, this constant dialogue with GOD shapes our character and actions.

What about the other seasons…
 

• Have you ever lost touch with a way of life marked by deep connection or intimacy with Jesus?  
• Has Jesus ever seemed more like some distant, historical figure than a loving shepherd who is always with you?
• How might you make yourself available to this way of being with GOD — without shame or deep frustration? Honest, vulnerable, not trying to EARN anything … just being with Jesus, “looking at Him, looking at you, and loving you.” (JM Comer). 

Take a few minutes to consider a couple of these questions and jot down a few thoughts around your personal prayer experiences. Begin by recalling some of your “high moments” as author Oswald Chambers calls them.
 

• What were those high moments in prayer like for you? (Maybe Jesus seemed close, GOD was real, your awareness of his nearness was keen?)
• Recall a “season” when you felt particularly close to GOD. Try to describe what closeness and intimacy with GOD looks like.
• When have you found ongoing contentment, deep joy and satisfaction in GOD? Was prayer and communication with GOD easy and natural for you?