Soma Austin

Whole volumes of books have been written about prayer, so many that most Christians feel unsure of how to pray.  We hear some people pray with thee's and thou's, others with deep, theologically rich and arcane language, others that repeat the same mantra over and over and still others with such long, monotonous prayers that they surely seem to be doing it for someone other than God.

In this article I would like to offer some simple ideas regarding prayer.  This is not an exhaustive list, and as you will see, that's kind of the point.

Pray Simply

As a Christian, our identity is that of an adopted child of God, reconciled to him through faith and trust in Jesus.  As a child we are able to talk directly and simply to God the Father.  We need no ancient language, no big theological words, no repeating mantra and no long monotonous conversation.

“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." Matthew 6:7-8

As children of God, we can simply talk to God as a Father.  This doesn't mean that we do it irreverently, but rather with the deep trust and reverence that a child would have for a wonderful Father whose ways were higher than our ways and whose wisdom was deeper than our mind could comprehend.

Pray with Perseverance

Many of us, thinking God is not listening or doesn't care, say a pray once and don't go back, asking God again.  In Luke 18 Jesus calls on us to persevere in our prayers.

7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” Luke 18:7-8

Notice the type of prayer that God loves to answer, the one that seeks justice and in faith.  During this Lenten season, as you encounter God, feel hunger and share in he suffering of those who lack food, water and experience oppression, we invite you to talk to the Father, begging Him with perseverance for God's merciful justice.  Be faithful, and be the answer to the prayer.

Pray Abidingly

Our deepest, most God glorifying and fruitful prayers come from our abiding in Christ.

7 If you abide in me (Christ), and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love." John 15:7-9

More than just being a professing Christian, more than 'believing in' Jesus, but actually believing the words that He says and seeing that they abide in us is what leads us to prayers that are more effective and more glorifying to God the Father.

Pray Daily. With Rejoicing. With Thanks.

Everyone is always asking what the will of God is for their life.  What they almost always mean is what should I do for a living, who should I marry, where should we live, etc.  What if it's more simple than that.  What if the will of God is this simple:

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

What if rejoicing in all things, praying to the Father continuously, and giving thanks in all things was what God wanted for you because it showed your heart and trust in Him.  And what if through this intimate trusting relationship that is so continuous we found God's will for us in daily things of life and in it's twist and turns along our way.

Simply Pray

What stops most of us from praying is not that we don't know how to pray, but that we don't acknowledge our dependence on God the Father and simply talk to Him for guidance, wisdom and grace.  Just like a small, rebellious child who says, "Me do.", we can be a people, full grown adults who say "We got this." Just as a child would be foolish to think he can understand and navigate the fullness of this world without the guidance of his Father, we show ourselves also to be foolish in thinking our finite minds and experiences can understand and navigate the fullness of this world.  Just as a child doesn't fully comprehend his own mind and body, we also do not fully comprehend ourselves.  And just as a child doesn't fully comprehend the full capacity of a Fathers love and attributes, we also do not understand the fullness of God the Father.  Lay hold of this truth today and begin talking to the Father.

Summary

As a Christian, you can talk directly to God the Father as a child of God, doing so with perseverance, with faith, with awesome wonder, with trust, with humility, while abiding in Jesus Christ and His words being found in your heart.  Go ahead.  You can do it right now.

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