Simplicity of Prayer
I have previously written posts concerning prayer, however, today I would like to share about the ‘simplicity of prayer’.
One question I would like to explore is, “What, in particular, is prayer?” Over the years, I have been told various times, “ I do not know how to pray.” To help those who feel that way, my simple response is, “Can you speak?” “Can you talk?” “Can you carry on conversations with people?” If your answer is “yes,” you can pray.
When we talk about the ‘simplicity’ of prayer we consider the meaning of the word. Simplicity means freedom of complexity. In other words, our prayers need not be complicated or elaborate. You do not need a degree in theology to be able to pray. When we engage in prayer with the Lord, there should be an absence of pretentiousness. That means, in simplistic prayer, there will be no assumption of importance or an exaggerated outward show. Then, also, the simplicity of prayer would be one in which there is no deceit or guile. So, when you come before the Father in prayer, you come with sincerity.
Webster defines “prayer” as a petition to God in word or thought, as an earnest request.
The Billy Graham Association web site stated that prayer is “spiritual communication between man and God, a two-way relationship in which man should not only talk with God but listen to Him.”
God is our ‘Father’ (Greek, pater - “of Christians those who through Christ have been exalted to a specially close and intimate relationship with God, and who no longer dread Him as the stern judge of sinners, but revere Him as their reconciled and loving Father.)” (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon). It is natural for a child to make requests of his father.
Various kinds of communication would take place between two individuals who were on a difficult dangerous journey together. There would be times of simple conversations, requests, honest heart to heart talks, pleading, and times when silence rules. I believe this is a perfect example of what our prayer life with the Lord should be like. The scripture tells us that the Lord no longer calls us servants, but has called us friends. (John 15:15)
In my own early days of learning to pray, I would find a quiet place where I would set up two chairs. Then, using my spiritual imagination, I would invite God to sit in one and I would sit in the other. This helped me develop an intimate prayer life with God, in which I would talk and share with Him in the same manner as I would with a good friend.
Of course, the Scriptures will be our guide in our relationship with God and in our prayer life with Him.
When we look at God’s promises, it builds our faith to know that He hears and answers us. God is not now one who does not take sincere interest in His creation. Job 22:27a, “You will pray to him, and he will hear you.”
Jeremiah 29:12 (NASB20), “'Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.”
There is no need of eloquence when we speak (pray) to God, but I have found there is one thing that is needful - a sincere belief. We need to believe that God is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)
Hebrews 4:16 tells us that we can ‘boldly’ come to the throne of grace, that we may receive His mercy and find grace to help when we need it most. The Greek word for ‘boldly’ used in this verse is “parrhesea” which means: all outspokenness, frankness, bluntness, openness, confidence, candor, and without fear. This boldness comes because of our relationship with the Holy Spirit. When I ponder the meanings of that word - it speaks to me that we can come to him being ‘real’ - with no pretentiousness but sincerely entering into His presence - just being me!
In these times of trouble, fear, and stress, God delights to partner with us and help us. Proverbs 15: 8, “The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but he delights in the prayers of the upright.”
The importance of prayer is very evident by the multiple scriptures the Holy Spirit led the authors of the Bible to include with directives to pray. James 5: 13a and 16b, “Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray.….16b pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” Then we read in Colossians 4:2 from the Amplified Bible, “ Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving.”
1Thessalonians 5:17 exhorts us to pray continually (remaining in an attitude of prayer).
We know that He is with us always. Hebrews 13:5b, God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”
Jesus taught the disciples that they should always pray and never give up! (Luke 18:1).
Then, the last exhortation ‘to pray ‘ that we will look at today is found in Philippians 4:6, “Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”
Look at what Matthew 18:19 and 20 tells us Jesus said, “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. 20 For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them." These verses indicate the power of unified prayer. If it is possible, it is good for you to find someone of faith who will be in agreement with you when you bring your petition before the Lord.
I encourage you to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word concerning prayer until it becomes second nature to you.
Praying is not something that should be limited to a particular place or time. God is always present, waiting not only to hear from you , but to speak to you also. Remember, prayer is communication, a two-way street, involving speaking, listening, and hearing.
An amazing Word to us - which ensures us of His constant presence is Psalm 139: 1-12, “A psalm of David. O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. 2 You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I'm far away. 3 You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. 4 You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. 5 You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! 7 I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! 8 If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. 9 If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, 10 even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. 11 I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night-- 12 but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you.”
We read that God is always ready to help us and come to our rescue when we face times of trouble. Psalm 46:1-3, “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. 2 So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. 3 Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!” Then we also read in Psalm 34: 4-8, “I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. 6 In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened; he saved me from all my troubles. 7 For the angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. 8 Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!”
As we have talked about ‘simplicity of ‘prayer, it reminded me of something I once read. An individual shared that she began every day with this prayer, “I don’t now what to do but I seek You for I am in Your hands.”
It’s true! We are kept in His hands! Pray! He is there, He hears, and He responds!
In closing, I want to share the words of this old hymn:
“What a Friend We Have in Jesus”
by Joseph M Scriven
What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge--
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
In His arms He'll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.
Unless otherwise noted, all scriptures were taken from the New Living Translation