When our Lord breathed His last and died on the cross, the curtain in the temple of Jerusalem tore in two from top to bottom. This event signified that the barrier of sin that separated sinners from God was now open. Jesus Christ, the very Son of God, had succeeded in redeeming the entire world through His shedding of blood and death on the cross. Now God’s children could pray directly to their Heavenly Father through faith in the Son. Jesus expresses this as He meets with His disciples before going to His passion. “In that day you will ask nothing of Me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He will give it to you” (John 16: 23).
Yet, there remain questions regarding the nature and purpose of Christian prayer. When should we pray? What is the best way to structure a prayer? How do I know that God will answer my prayer? For what should I pray? Is there anything for which I shouldn’t pray? There are many others. This blog initiates a four-part series that attempts to address at least some of these questions. It is my sincere hope and prayer that this series will enrich your prayer life and enhance your confidence in this wonderful gift from our loving and attentive Father in heaven.
The Bible tells us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). In his letter to the congregation in Philippi, the apostle Paul mandates:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
God’s desire is that we remain in communication with Him throughout the day. My own experience and that in working with other Christians suggests that we, as God’s children, tend to pray primarily for ourselves and major events or issues. In other words, we neglect the needs of others and forget that God wants us to pray even for things in life that may seem mundane or inconsequential.
Are there situations in which we ought not to pray? I would suggest there are at least two. First, there is no need to pray where God speaks clearly in His Word. For example, a young man is dating a woman who is kind, funny, industrious, and well-liked by the young man’s family and friends. Despite these fine qualities, she is not a Christian. God tells us that Christians are to marry other Christians. So, to inquire of God whether he ought to marry her is out of place. Instead, a fitting prayer would be for God to bring this young woman to faith or guide the young man to a Christian young woman instead. A second example pertains to sinful behavior. It would be inappropriate to ask God for discernment on whether to rob the local McDonald’s or Burger King restaurant. God will not give counsel on how we are to sin.
A second situation in which we ought not pray involves putting God to the test. In Luke chapter four, Satan tempts Jesus by taking Him to the pinnacle of the temple in Jerusalem and goading Him to cast Himself off, certain the angels will deliver Him safely to the ground. Jesus responds simply, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test’ ” (Luke 4:12). The Lord would not have us pray to Him as if we were consulting a crystal ball. For example, someone prays before bed, “Lord, I don’t know if I should take this store manager job offer at Walmart. Give me a sign!” Leaving the house in the morning, she sees a cloud formation which resembles a “W” and decides to take the job.
We are impacted by physical circumstances when we pray. We have senses which occupy our minds with information. We close our eyes to shut out visual distractions. We go into our room, as Jesus says, to be cloistered away from sounds and people. We kneel or stand to put ourselves in a mindset of humility. This is not to suggest that we should only pray in this way. God would have us pray while eating, working, walking, driving (although not with our eyes closed)—always.
Regarding the content of prayer, consider this ACTS structure. Notice the acronym and pneumonic device. While such a device is not necessary, it helps to keep us in the right mindset and avoid neglecting crucial elements of prayer.
Adoration: Praising God reminds us that we are praying to a good and almighty Father. (See Psalm 106:1.)
Confession: Confession sets us right with God and calms the spirit. (See 1 John 1:9.)
Thanksgiving: This moves us to gratitude and reminds us that God has answered our prayers in the past. (See Philippians 4:6.)
Supplication: We bring our requests for ourselves and on behalf of others. (See John 15:7.)
Scripture: ESV®.
As you learn how to pray in your daily life, keep My Prayer Book on hand to give you words to bring to your Savior.