The importance and value of prayer can never be overemphasized. It is one of the critical habits of highly effective Christians and leaders of influence.
While prayer can easily be reduced to an activity of a believer talking to God, it should be understood as a conversation and dialogue between God and a believer. It is a covenantal communion between God and a believer. At its best, prayer is a climax of one’s walk with God similar to the journey a husband and wife commit to at the altar. It is not static but dynamic because prayer moves you forward and deeper in your faith journey.
Prayer is a wonderful privilege and opportunity available to believers. While it is generally understood to be a religious activity, to followers of Jesus, prayer is a deep interaction with a loving friend who created heaven and earth and the universe. This friend loves people so much that he died so that he can reconcile them to himself and each other.
Prayer is meeting with the most important person on earth, God, the creator of heaven and earth. The goal of prayer must be to love God and experience his love and share this love with others. Prayer opens one’s life to the abundant life in God. Prayer is a strategic pillar in the kingdom of God. Jesus indicated after living on the earth His disciples will pray and fast.
In these days, it is important to come to God to ask him to teach us to pray as Jesus’ disciples once did.
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say: “ ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’ ” (Luke 11:1-4 NIV)
We need a fresh revelation on prayer which will help reshape our prayer life. Believers need to be exposed to intense teaching and discipleship on prayer which will equip them with principles critical for effective prayer.
Sometimes, along our journeys of faith, Christians can become discouraged by the lack of results in prayer. When we are taught how to pray, the focus changes from our desires to aligning our hearts with the will of God. This becomes part of training in godliness.
Other initiatives to reshape prayer include not only learning about prayer but also associating with those who value prayer. Additionally, believers must be intentional about having prayer as a discipline, like exercising. The practice of actually praying is critical to reshaping one’s prayer life.
There are different types of prayers:
intercession, worship, thanksgiving, confession, warfare, supplication, communion, meditation, petition, thanksgiving, praise, silent prayer, quiet time, practicing the presence of God, and corporate prayer/prayer of agreement.
The apostle Paul encouraged the Christ follower’s prayer life when he wrote:
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” (Ephesians 6:18)
Diverse prayer expressions must be engaged on regarding any subject or situation of interest to God and the believer.
Prayer cannot be limited by time or space and it can be practiced at any time and in any situation and place. Access to God is unlimited – at all time in all places. However, scheduling prayer is important like all other important things in our lives. Starting the day with prayer, praying during the day, praying at the end of the day and praying during the night watches is a simple guide one can give on prayer and praying without ceasing, (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Pray alone and pray with others and enjoy the uniqueness. A small group of people met to pray systematically and daily in Acts 1 and this ushered the disciples of Jesus into a mighty movement of God. For effective prayer one needs to clear out unconfessed sin, bitterness, unbelief and doubt, unforgiveness, double mindedness, wrong motives, broken covenant with God, disobedience, and poor relationship with others especially family members. God made it possible for us to be reconciled so we can fellowship with Him and be ready to listen to His voice. Follow prayer with faith actions, that is obeying what God says to you during prayer moments. PRAY AND GO.
A systematic engagement in prayer will bear great results. In my experience, if prayer is taken seriously and its benefit understood, it will create a great transformation in the Church today. I believe prayer is the most important business today and there is need to mobilise individuals, families, churches, communities and nations to pray. This will go a long way to push back darkness and unleash the power and glory of God on the earth today.
While prayer can easily be reduced to an activity of a believer talking to God, it should be understood as a conversation and dialogue between God and a believer. It is a covenantal communion between God and a believer. At its best, prayer is a climax of one’s walk with God similar to the journey a husband and wife commit to at the altar. It is not static but dynamic because prayer moves you forward and deeper in your faith journey.
Prayer is a wonderful privilege and opportunity available to believers. While it is generally understood to be a religious activity, to followers of Jesus, prayer is a deep interaction with a loving friend who created heaven and earth and the universe. This friend loves people so much that he died so that he can reconcile them to himself and each other.
Prayer is meeting with the most important person on earth, God, the creator of heaven and earth. The goal of prayer must be to love God and experience his love and share this love with others. Prayer opens one’s life to the abundant life in God. Prayer is a strategic pillar in the kingdom of God. Jesus indicated after living on the earth His disciples will pray and fast.
In these days, it is important to come to God to ask him to teach us to pray as Jesus’ disciples once did.
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say: “ ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’ ” (Luke 11:1-4 NIV)
We need a fresh revelation on prayer which will help reshape our prayer life. Believers need to be exposed to intense teaching and discipleship on prayer which will equip them with principles critical for effective prayer.
Sometimes, along our journeys of faith, Christians can become discouraged by the lack of results in prayer. When we are taught how to pray, the focus changes from our desires to aligning our hearts with the will of God. This becomes part of training in godliness.
Other initiatives to reshape prayer include not only learning about prayer but also associating with those who value prayer. Additionally, believers must be intentional about having prayer as a discipline, like exercising. The practice of actually praying is critical to reshaping one’s prayer life.
There are different types of prayers:
intercession, worship, thanksgiving, confession, warfare, supplication, communion, meditation, petition, thanksgiving, praise, silent prayer, quiet time, practicing the presence of God, and corporate prayer/prayer of agreement.
The apostle Paul encouraged the Christ follower’s prayer life when he wrote:
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” (Ephesians 6:18)
Diverse prayer expressions must be engaged on regarding any subject or situation of interest to God and the believer.
Prayer cannot be limited by time or space and it can be practiced at any time and in any situation and place. Access to God is unlimited – at all time in all places. However, scheduling prayer is important like all other important things in our lives. Starting the day with prayer, praying during the day, praying at the end of the day and praying during the night watches is a simple guide one can give on prayer and praying without ceasing, (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Pray alone and pray with others and enjoy the uniqueness. A small group of people met to pray systematically and daily in Acts 1 and this ushered the disciples of Jesus into a mighty movement of God. For effective prayer one needs to clear out unconfessed sin, bitterness, unbelief and doubt, unforgiveness, double mindedness, wrong motives, broken covenant with God, disobedience, and poor relationship with others especially family members. God made it possible for us to be reconciled so we can fellowship with Him and be ready to listen to His voice. Follow prayer with faith actions, that is obeying what God says to you during prayer moments. PRAY AND GO.
A systematic engagement in prayer will bear great results. In my experience, if prayer is taken seriously and its benefit understood, it will create a great transformation in the Church today. I believe prayer is the most important business today and there is need to mobilise individuals, families, churches, communities and nations to pray. This will go a long way to push back darkness and unleash the power and glory of God on the earth today.
Albert Tamado
Leadership Lab International is a disciple makers training ministry of Scripture Union International equipping, encouraging, and empowering others to "Go and Make Disciples of all Nations."
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