Artlcles, Commentaries, ...: 03/27/19

Table Of Contents

Opening Remarks

Prayer is probably the greatest and the most valuable privilege on earth today. It is also probably the privilege that we take for granted the most.

Remember, during the Old Testament era - such an easy access to God that we have today (say, in the form of prayer time), would not only be unthinkable and laughable but also very dangerous - i.e., Exodus 28:35, 28:43, Leviticus 16:2, 2 Chronicles 23:6-7, etc). This "super-easy" access to God for us, today, came at a HUGE cost - The innocent Son of God Jesus had to undertake great torture, an extremely painful & dreadful crucifixion (He was at the cross for SIX extremely painful, long hours, which must have felt like eternity), and great abandonment (Matthew 27:46). Never, forget this HUGE COST.

So, yes, talking of "prayer" (to Father God through Jesus), first and foremost, we must NOT fail to appreciate enough this great and unimaginable privilege that we have today!

What is prayer?

Prayer is connecting (say, via communication) with God, through His Son Jesus. The connection / communication may seem one-way (though it is not), especially because God responds to prayers in His perfect timings. That is, at times, we may not sense an answer to a prayer, made to God, immediately. Also un-dealt sins can hinder prayer communications as well (See below).

Why should we pray?

In any relationship (love-life or work-life), communication is key. And a relationship between a Christian and God is mean't to be, by far, the most intimate, most loving, most dependable, most powerful, most needed relationship for the Christian. This is the primary reason to engage in a deep, meaningful, regular, frequent prayer life.
Christian life is to be led by prayer. Precisely, Bible tells us that God wants to be the leader of our lives and at the center of our lives (i.e., Numbers 9:7, etc). We are to be fully surrendered and dependent on God. Praying, at it's core, is meant to take us in that direction.
It is the most intimate time (/ part of our relationship) with God on earth - Greatest and most valuable privilege on earth?
God offers Himself to us as the most generous person ever (i.e., Matthew 7:11). Even more, God offers Himself as a best friend and a perfect Father - available 24/7!!

God graciously gives us a way by which we can lift up all our needs and burdens to Him.

We need it by all means. Remember, how much spiritual warfare is going on - Prayer is essential in our battle against Satan and His army. Lord's prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) includes - "Give us today our daily bread ... And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."
Even Jesus (GOD Himself) abundantly & consistently "depended" on it (i..e, Luke 6:12, John 11:41-42, Luke 22:41-44, Matthew 26:36-42, John 17, etc). (You may think Jesus would have needed prayer the least!) So how much more we need it?

How should we pray?

First of all, keep in mind, God is not (and should not be treated as) a "genie" (say of "Aladdin & the Magic Lamp"), and the prayer time is not like Aladdin rubbing his magic lamp!
Jesus, being also fully human, is our perfect role model (i.e., 1 Peter 2:21). Hence, we must learn from all instances of Him praying to Father God (i..e, Luke 6:12, John 11:41-42, Luke 22:41-44, Matthew 26:36-42, John 17, etc)
Jesus also gave us a model for prayer - The Lord's prayer - Matthew 6:9-13
God has given us God - Holy Spirit to help us pray! Romans 8:26-27:- "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.". So, we must always seek to pray what the Holy Spirit in us leading us to pray (which would also be Scriptural prayers)! (Few words on seeking Spirit's leading)
We need to come to God in prayer with right heart & mindset.

First of all remember, this is first and foremost about engaging / investing in the most important and intimate relationship in the life of a Christian. Then remember "behavior" is also very important in any relationship - Hence read on.
We should confess and seek forgiveness for our sins (Matthew 6:12 - " ... forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors", 1 John 1:9), and re-commit to pursue righteousness and God's mission on earth.
We must come with a heart of thanksgiving (i.e., 1 Thessalonians 5:18) and praise, acknowledging God for all good things (James 1:17).

We often see in Scriptures, prayer & thanksgiving being made over meals - Matthew 14:19-21, Matthew 15:34-36, Luke 24:30, Deuteronomy 8:10. I believe this is a great practice for all the good things in life / blessings (James 1:17).

We must come with a heart of worship. (Recall, what is true worship?) Towards, that our heart must be full of deep love & reverence for God (Remember, we are to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind? - Matthew 22:37). These should be reflected in our prayers. But it is also understandable, that there will be times when these will be hard to achieve due to the broken nature of this world. Hence, God's grace and mercy is needed at all times.

Pray very deeply & intimately - knowing that you are praying to (1) the most trustworthy person, (2) closest friend, (3) most loving father, (5) person who cares most about you, (6) person who is in control of all things, (7) your Lord & Savior, as well. So, be honest in your heart & emotions, as you pray. Have an honest, frank, and an "intense" conversation with God.

Psalm 62:8: "Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.". Lamentations 2:19: "Pour out your heart like water
before the presence of the Lord!". Singing & music can help - Psalm 100:1-2 "Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! ... Come into his presence with singing!"
You can certainly express / vent (In-fact you should, as per Psalm 52:22, etc) all your "righteous" frustrations and brokenness to God, to the full "intimate" extent. King David did that (i.e., Psalm 142:1-2 "I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble.", Psalm 5:2 "Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray", Psalm 62:7, etc.). Even Jesus had to weep at the face of brokenness (John 11:35). This can also help with "cooling down with your nerves" at times of distress.
Be child-like (i.e., Matthew 18:3, Matthew 11:25-26; not child-ish or self-centered as in James 4:3) in your prayers. Recall, how a child is dependent on a parent and how we are (and to-be) dependent on Father God.

God has given Church a focus / specific-mission for these "last" days - The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20). Hence our prayer life must be build around that.
God wants us to humbly lift up all our needs to Him (say, even if you are very rich and successful, and do not feel that you need help for your basic needs). This is towards living a life fully dependent on Him. For instance, the "Lord's prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)", teaches us to pray for our daily bread. In America, finding bread is very easy and probably no would think about praying for it. But, we must always remember that ALL our blessings and privileges are, at the end of the day, from God. That is, every day is a gift from God. And, we must acknowledge that daily, and pray daily for continued sustenance (no matter how rich or successful or smart or hard working you may be).
Pray for protection. Yes, no matter how much rich or powerful you maybe, you need protection, daily! We need protection from our own sinful nature as well as all the evil out there (Matthew 6:13 - "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.", Luke 22:40 - "Pray that you may not enter into temptation.", Luke 22:46, Matthew 26:41). One great evil, active in this world, is Satan and his army.

Kelly Balarie calls this "preemptive" prayer.

Pray for sicknesses / health issues (i.e., James 5:14 "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord")
Pray for directions in life, say for decision makings.

Jesus prayed all night, out at a mountain, before choosing the twelve disciples (Luke 6:12)

Pray for strength to carry out God's will / callings.

You definitely need God's help to carry out God's will & callings for your life. In an extreme example - Before Jesus was betrayed and arrested, at the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was "very sorrowful, even to death" (Matthew 26:38), because of what was to come, as "willed" by God. He prayed and, at the end of the prayer time, he was strengthened (Luke 22:43).

Pray for spiritual growth / deepening relationship with God

Colossians 1:9-10:- "... we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;"
Ephesians 4:15-17:- "... we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."

Include BIG prayers - Marshal Segal writes 'Do we have enough courage to pray that God would save the 136 million men and women in the Shaikh people group in Bangladesh? 0.00% Christian. Is that too big for God? “Is anything too hard for the LORD?” (Genesis 18:14). Do we have enough imagination to ask God to end sex-trafficking in India (and in Minneapolis)? We pray to a God “who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). Jesus says, “If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain” — the sex-trafficking slave trade or an unreached people group of 120 million in Japan — “‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20). Will we believe Jesus and pray for big things?'
Towards making your prayer life very effective - Pursue Christi-likeness in your life / live by the Word. Specifically, in these last days this means partaking in the mission of the Church - The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20). James 5:16:- "... The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working". John 15:7:- “If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 9:31 warns:- “We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will.". BTW, do not misunderstand John 9:31.

James 2:15-17 ("If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.") is a great example which affirms to the fact that a prayer life has to be backed up with "actions" / "obedience". Another example is, say praying for daily bread (Lord's prayer - Matthew 6:9-13) - After praying for daily bread, one must also seek to work, unless it is impossible to do so (say, because of sickness or disability)!

Intercessory praying - Scriptures calls us to intercessory prayers. That is we are called to pray for others - in and outside the Church. Like this, we also greatly partake & partner in loving God's redeeming / caring / healing works, for the broken & the lost, in this world.

In Exodus 32, we see how God put in Moses's heart to pray for the forgiveness of the Israelites, who had gravely sinned against God by worshiping a false god (golden calf). Likewise, God / Holy Spirit will put in the heart(s) of Christian(s) to pray for others. Lot of times, it would be to pray for someone / some-group's salvation.
Jesus, our perfect role model, is leading that call by consistently interceding for us Christians (Hebrews 7:25)
Pray for those who are persecuted (i.e., Hebrews 13:3- "Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body.", Matthew 25:39)
Pray for your enemies (Matthew 5:43-44)
Pray for those in great need (i.e., Matthew 25:36-40)
Pray for spreading of the Gospel / salvation of others (i.e., Matthew 28:16-20, Matthew 6:10, 2 Thessalonians 3:1, Romans 10:11, etc)
At times a believer may not feel strong enough to pray. In those times, fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, in the Church, will be called to pray for that person.

Role of Church:- God calls us Christian to be unified as one body (Ephesians 4:4). Also, towards that, apart from praying personally, one is also called to pray in groups, as a team. There seems to be more power in that - Matthew 18:19 :- "Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.", Matthew 18:20:- "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”.

Again, this goes towards unity in the Christian body. For instance, Galatians 6:2 says "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.", Luke 22:32.

For instance, at times you may not feel strong enough to even pray. In those times, your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, in the Church, will pray for you, and strengthen you.

One reason, this kind of unity is very much needed is the existence of "Spiritual Warfare", which is better fought as a team!

Steadfastness, persistency is required in prayer life - Luke 18:1-8 - "Parable of A Persistent Widow". So, when do you stop praying a prayer?! I guess, when you have a sense (from God) to move on.
FAITH is required in prayer life. Note, what Jesus said in Matthew 21:21-22:- "And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith." (Obviously, from rest of Scriptures the prayers have to be aligned with God's will - i.e., James 4:3, etc). In fact, weak faith backfires in prayer life - Matthew 13:58:- "And He (Jesus) did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.".
Three settings of prayer are:-

Taking out fully dedicated time to pray in private (i.e., Luke 6:12, John 11:41-42, Luke 22:41-44, Matthew 26:36-42, John 17, etc)
Praying "as you go" (i.e., John 11:41-42, etc). This is mostly towards 1Thessalonians 5:17-18 "Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance". This is also towards keeping God at-the-"center" / as-the-leader of your life at all times, as you go about your daily business.
Praying, in agreement, with others (i.e., Matthew 18:19; see above, commentary under "Role Of Church")

Overall, a prayer session has to be an act of worship. Recall, what is worship?
All above suggestions are from Scriptures - meaning our prayer is to be guided by Scriptures (and Holy Spirit)

Specifically, one should pray "God's will" and not one's will (i.e., Matthew 6:10, Luke 22:42)

How often must one pray, and for how long?

Again, first remember, this is first and foremost about engaging / investing in the most important, most intimate, most loving relationship in the life of a Christian. So, imagine / understand how much and how often communication / direct-connection is needed in a relationship.
In Ephesian 6:10-20, Apostle Paul portrays a Christian as a "soldier" to be trained and ready for continual imminent scary warfare. How much time & preparation should such a soldier be putting in?!
The wordings of Lord's prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), indicate (i.e., "give us TODAY ...") that we are to pray a version (i.e., customized) of it everyday. Say, first thing in the morning, in exclusive private time.
Passages such as 1 Thessalonians 5:17 ("Pray without ceasing" - ESV) indicate we are to be always in touch with God. God is to be always at the center of our affairs, leading our affairs. For that continual communion with God is needed. This does not mean that we are in exclusive, private prayer time 24/7. I believe, this (1 Thessalonians 5:17) is more referring to praying, "in Spirit", "as we go" about our daily business.
In the business of your life, you would often need to withdraw and pray in private - Jesus needed it - Luke 5:15-16 "But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. 16 But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray."
Note, Jesus also went through a "marathon" session of time alone with God in wilderness, at the beginning of His ministry. He fasted, alone, in wilderness for forty days and forty nights (Matthew 4:1-11). One may or may never do anything like this (Here, "Jesus was led by the Spirit" to do this- Matthew 4:11). But, in general, it sounds Scriptural that before starting on a major calling, one would need an extended, exclusive, time of prayer.
Jesus prayed extensively (at-least all night) before making a major decision - choosing his twelve disciples - Luke 6:12. So, we should also pray adequately before a major life decision making.

Mark 1:35-39 also shows that Jesus prayed well before a major undertaking. So should we.

In general, I believe, one must sense (the leading of the Spirit), as to when and how much time alone in prayer one must invest in, say daily. There is no formula in the Bible which says how much and how long one should pray in private, exclusive time, say daily.

What Should One Expect From Prayers?

What do you expect from a relationship? Specifically - What would one expect from a perfect father? What would one expect from a perfect best friend (who also laid down his life for the one; also see John 15:15, John 15:13, Romans 8:32)? What would the wife of a perfect husband expect from him? (Remember, Church is "bride" of Jesus - i.e., Revelation 19:7-9, etc) What do you expect from a perfect boss? (Remember, He is our Lord as well - i.e., 1 Corinthians 6:20 etc)
God will answer prayers in His perfect timeline. At times answer would be "no" or "wait".
God will provide for our needs, and also "bless" us. But also, our sins (especially un-dealt ones) can eat away from God's provisions for us.
Do not expect that everything will become "great" / "smooth" in life. God will still allow trials and trouble in this life, even on righteous (i.e., John 16:33). It does not mean that prayers are not that powerful or God is in-capable of blessing you to the full, but that, also, God's ways are not our ways. Well, there is more to this - You may try reading articles on "Why does God allow suffering / trials", such as this one.
Beware of prosperity gospel / health-wealth gospel. Do not treat God as a genie.

So, when does God not answer prayers?

What hinders a relationship?
Un-dealth sins can come in the way.
Wrong motives - James 4:3 - "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures".
Even when motive is not wrong, what you ask may still be not God's will
Lack of faith - Matthew 13:58:- "And He (Jesus) did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith".

What does lack of prayer do to a Christian?

What does lack of communication or intimacy or connection do to a relationship?
First of all, one will lack intimacy in one's relationship with God
If one does not pray at all, then one's salvation would be questioned (references??)
Otherwise, lack of prayers in one's life points to spiritual immaturity
It is sin, in first place, as well
It leads to more sin

Christian will fall back to the dreadful bondage of sin, as Jesus warns in Matthew 26:41:- "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation."

It is rebellion against God

Trying to live on own strength

Passages such as James 4:2 ("You do not have because you do not ask God.") suggest that lack of prayers will lead to spiritual poverty.

Your ministry / callings will lack the much needed power

It builds up toxins in your soul, due to lack of confession & seeking of forgiveness from God
You are handing a major victory to Satan - Satan is very happy to see one's major means of connection with God disrupted
So, it is ultimately very detrimental to spiritual life

As, also prayerlessness amounts to not abiding in Christ in major ways. John 15:4-6:- "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. "

Additional Tips

Maintain a journal and record how God has answered your prayers and other's prayers for you, and even testimonies of answered prayers from trusted sources. You can always look back and draw encouragement from it, especially at times of "low valleys". God, anyways, often reminds His people to remember the good things He has done to them in the past (Isaiah 46:9, Deuteronomy 5:15, Deuteronomy 7:17-18, Deuteronomy 8:10-18, 1Chronicles 16:12, Matthew 16:9-1).
...

Warnings

I believe, you will face a lot of challenges and resistance in your prayer life. One big reason for that is - prayer is your main line of connection with God. Hence, Satan will do whatever he can to disrupt this major line of connection between you and God (You may read more on "Spiritual Warfare"). Be very careful of all the distractions of life and even your own sinful nature (Jesus warned in Matthew 13:22 "... cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful"). A lot of things in this world will compete for your time & attention. You will always have to prioritize the prayer time, daily.

MISC Illustrations / verses from Scriptures

Jesus even prayed when it must have been most difficult to do so / when one will never feel like praying or trusting God, especially for His enemies! - Luke 23:34:- Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”. This is the most difficult, but most powerful, prayer ever prayed, that I am aware of.

I would call this a revolutionary prayer.
Yes praying for enemies, is what God commanded (Matthew 5:44 "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you") - as difficult as it may sound.

MISC Questions

There are so many very successful people out there who do not pray and do not seem to need it?

Success in what? What is the true definition of success?

Remember there are certain kinds of successes that do not require a personal relationship with God, as per Matthew 5:45:- "For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.". Hence, you see many materially successful people (i.e., the rich young ruler of Matthew 19:16-30) who do not have a personal relationship with God. But also these successes are temporal / fleeting and does not take one far.

Now, if we need success, as a Christian, in our callings from God, then we need to depend on God. Remember, Jesus said - John 15:4-5 - "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.". This "bearing of fruit" is "true success" - success in the eyes of God - success that has eternal bearing. Note, that this kind of success does not necessarily mean earthly riches. For instance, to the faithful Church in Symrna, Jesus said - Revelation 2:9 - "I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) "

Closing Remarks

After learning all about prayer, the first thought that may come to one's mind is: Wow, how foolish it is not to pray enough ;)
Praying requires patience and at-least some effort (motive should be love, though). Both challenge our flesh in great ways. On top of that Satan and his army will do anything so that you do not pray. So be very careful, watchful (i.e., John 10:10, etc), and prioritize the prayer time, daily.

Artlcles, Commentaries, ...

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

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FAITH (UNDER CONSTRUCTION)

On Brokenness (UNDER CONSTRUCTION)

How Shall We LIVE?

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