Renew Faith with Prayer

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​We have begun the year intending to renew our faith. The effort in June to achieve that objective is "Prayer." It would probably be helpful for us to consider what prayer is not.

Prayer is Not
Each person complete in their own mind the following sentence: "For me, prayer is ___________________. "

• Prayer is not bargaining.

In this exchange, a person attempts to change God's mind or offer Him something to move Him to take action in our favor. (I.e., If you heal me, I will be good and come to church.)

• Prayer is not a get-rich scheme.

Prayer does not automatically result in an abundance of blessings. Sometimes God lets people die or remain in suffering or difficulty.

• Prayer is not a wish list.

We do not use God as a rubber stamp for getting all we want. Some think that prayer is just the expression of our desires before God.

• Prayer is not a ritual or a charm.

For example, if you say a certain number of prayers, or say them in a certain way, or on a particular day or order - they will be effective. This methodology is the basis of magic and the occult, not mature spirituality. Now let's consider what prayer ought to be.

What prayer needs to be
​In developing a godly character, prayer needs to be the following:

• A calling out to God
  • Prayer is a personal conversation with God that includes praise, thanksgiving, request, and repentance, to name a few elements. In prayer, we call God to know His will concerning the matters we have put before Him.
• Prayer needs to be a priority.

1First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
- I Timothy 2:1-2

• Prayer needs to become our remedy for worry

Jesus reveals the truth about the value of worry, which is zero.
And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words.
- Matthew 6:7
Godly mature Christians replace worry with prayer in their lives. We seek God's solutions for our troubles through prayer instead of more worry.

• Prayer needs to be constant.

Paul says, "Pray without ceasing" in Philippians 4:4-7. Worry about nothing; pray about everything. Why do you ask? Because trouble and stress are always there, prayer must also be there each day.
As human beings, we are naturally concerned about illness and trials, but the concern is different than worry. Respect treats matters seriously, relying on God to provide through prayer. Worry is choosing to fret and review the problem without giving it to God in prayer. The problem with anxiety is that it has no faith attached to it, so it is a nonspiritual action that does not affect the situation other than weakening the individual.

• Prayer needs to be listening.

Listening is part of any conversation. Prayer can certainly be considered a conversation. Human beings do very little listening in our prayers; we are more adept at making demands and requests. It is also complicated to listen to God when we do not speak His language or know His will. That is where Bible study will make your prayers more effective. 

The perils and promises of prayer
​Here are a few tips for those ready to devote more time and energy to prayer. Remember:

• Prayer is not a substitute for human responsibility.

Pray and work and serve and seek and persevere. Pray for success on the exam, but do not forget to study!

• Pray to the true God.

The true God is not your grandfather, buddy, or a faraway judge. He is the creator of everything and an all-powerful being for whom nothing is impossible - trust in that when you pray.

• God answers prayers in His way, not yours.

God always hears the prayers of the saints but His answers fulfill His will and purpose. Paul's prayer in II Corinthians 12.
7 Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! 8 Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. 9 And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
- II Corinthians 12:7-10
Note that God gave Paul what he needed (humility) and not what he wanted (healing). God required glory through Paul's weakness rather than by his strength.

• No matter what - God is with you!

Regardless of the answer or time frame, because you are praying - God is with you. In the end, being with God brings peace and joy - not having your prayers answered.

Adapted from: Prayer, 10 Steps to the New Spiritual You - BibleTalkTV