Prayer is the Key!
When it comes to growing in our Christian faith, everything begins and ends with prayer. Prayer is the key! Prayer is where our strength is derived. Prayer is where our understanding is increased. And prayer is the compass for our spiritual lives. Without it we are like a ship without a sail, rudder, or captain…just floating aimlessly on the sea. So as a New Believer, you’ll want to start praying immediately!
What is Prayer?
Prayer, in the simplest terms, is communicating with God. It’s you and God sharing together. It’s a two-way communication. It involves both expressing and listening. Expressing yourself to God will come almost naturally. But it will take time to learn how to listen to God.
Philippians 4:6 tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Rather than stress about anything, God wants you to bring all your concerns to him. In addition to prayer, the Apostle Paul uses the term, supplication.
A supplication is a humble request. When your heart is in the right posture, you can literally talk to God about anything. So don’t delay…start right away!
When should I pray?
All the time! There are multiple scriptures that let us know that constant, consistent prayer is to be part of the Believers lifestyle. Romans 12:12 tells us, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Prayer is always necessary because the need is always present. That means it is appropriate to pray at any time, whether it be early in the morning, during the lunch hour, or at the end of the day. However, even beyond specific times, as you grow in your faith, you will discover that you can have an ongoing conversation with God throughout the day!
Where should I pray?
Just as there is no limit to how often you should pray, there is no limit to where you should. Keep in mind that while your place of work or school may prohibit public prayer, most praying takes place quietly, between us and God.
Matthew 6:6 talks about a “prayer closet” which is a metaphor for praying in secret. Even if no knows you are praying in secret, God knows, and He will reward you. Your “prayer closet” may be any room in your house where you feel is a special meeting place between you and God. Many people like to pray as they walk in park enjoying the beauty of nature, or through their neighborhood as they lift the needs of the community. Anywhere you decide to pray is fine with God!
How should I pray?
Should I pray standing up, or should I pray on my knees? Any way you want to pray is fine if it accomplishes the goal of helping you to connect with God in a sincere and meaningful way. That being said, many have testified to the fact that there is something very special about kneeling before the Lord. It is posture of humility and reverence before God that refines the soul and shapes the heart. The Bible tells us that Daniel (yes, Daniel from the Lion’s Den) “…got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God…”. The Psalmist tells us in Psalm 95:6, “Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!” Indeed, there is something special about getting on our knees before God. But, regardless of whether you get on your knees or not, God will always hear the sincere prayer of his children.
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