Another article for Examiner.com
Prayer is essential for the Christian life. Just as one foot steps in front of the other, there are two incredibly important aspects of the Christian walk. Christians are called to unceasingly study the Word of God and pray to the Father. These are two of the great pillars of Christian faith. Believers must study the Word to know what the Bible teaches about God, His will, and also about prayer itself. Jesus prayed continously and expects His followers to to the same. His disciples even asked, "Teach us how to pray" and He abliged in Matthew 6:9-13 with The Lord's Prayer. However, one aspect is to be noted. His disciples did not ask, "Teach us a prayer", they requested guidance about how to pray. Therefore, the Lord's Prayer is simply an example of prayer, not one to be mindlessly repeated.
According to John MacArthur, the Old Testament Jews felt their prayers should include a recognition of God's holiness, confession of sin and a pure heart, love and praise, unselfishness, gratitude and thanksgiving, perseverance and humility. Today, Christians are to follow those examples.
As many religions believe, there are specified times for prayer, however the Bible actually instructs to pray continously in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, "Pray without ceasing." In fact, there were many times prayer is mentioned in the Word. Prayer was initated early in the morning as mentioned in Mark 1:35, morning in 1 Chron. 23:30, three times a day in Daniel 6:10, on into the evening in 1 Kings 18:36, and before meals as mentioned in Matthew 14:19, to name simply a few. Prayer is a complete way of life and it puts God's Majesty and Glory on display. It is a necessary communication with the Heavenly Father, bringing Chrisitian lives into line with His Will.
The loving grace of God
God is described in Psalm 103:13-14, "As a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him." God wants His children to pray to Him. He desires that communication. He loves His children. However, Christians must keep in mind the during prayer, God should not be asked to do the believers will, instead the believers are bringing themselves in line with His will, while He provides His children His unconditional grace.
As many religions believe, there are specified times for prayer, however the Bible actually instructs to pray continously in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, "Pray without ceasing." In fact, there were many times prayer is mentioned in the Word. Prayer was initated early in the morning as mentioned in Mark 1:35, morning in 1 Chron. 23:30, three times a day in Daniel 6:10, on into the evening in 1 Kings 18:36, and before meals as mentioned in Matthew 14:19, to name simply a few. Prayer is a complete way of life and it puts God's Majesty and Glory on display. It is a necessary communication with the Heavenly Father, bringing Chrisitian lives into line with His Will.
The loving grace of God
God is described in Psalm 103:13-14, "As a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him." God wants His children to pray to Him. He desires that communication. He loves His children. However, Christians must keep in mind the during prayer, God should not be asked to do the believers will, instead the believers are bringing themselves in line with His will, while He provides His children His unconditional grace.
When a Christian is aware God is the Father
Awareness of many things occur once believers come into line with God's will. Hope is provided, fear is abolished, as is selfishness. Widsom is declared and obedience follows. Hope is required as the world is a hostile place. It is full of questions, deceit, and lonliness. Hope in God restores the soul, providing peace and reduced fear. By placing God first, the believer can walk behind Him, and not in front of Him, allowing Him to forge the way. Wisdom is provided by God and His Word, and as the believer continues to learn from the Living Word, obedience is the natural conclusion. A relationship is formed and not a religion.
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