The Unbelievably Best Way to Think About Prayer
Today I wrap up a series on how to grow your inner, spiritual world. Prayer, as you can imagine, is key to this endeavor. But how should you think about prayer, so it is truly valuable to your growth?
I’m a father of four. My kids are beyond or near the age where physical growth has peaked. They won’t be significantly taller. That is the case with most of us. We are well beyond where we will grow a few inches taller. However, there is no cap on the spiritual growth you are capable of.
As a follower of Jesus, you should yearn and work to grow in your inner world. This month, I’ve shared three ways to build your world: intentionality, community, and Scripture. Today, I’ll share one final key.
Prayer
Jesus lived a life dependent upon his connection with His Heavenly Father. His disciples saw it, as he would disappear for hours to be alone and pray. It was so evident that they asked Jesus to teach them to pray like him.
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”
He said to them, “When you pray, say:
“‘Father,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins,
for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
And lead us not into temptation.’” -Luke 11:1-4
Prayer matters to the spiritual world we are building within us. It was important to Jesus—enough for him to teach his disciples. So, it is important to us.
But how should we pray?
There are lots of models of prayer. Pete Greig, who leads the international 24-7 prayer movement, has a simple style with the acronym PRAY:
P - pause and take time to be with God.
R - rejoice for everything God has done and will do in your life.
A - ask for God to work in the areas you need.
Y - yield to God’s will.
There is a great series on the Bible Project podcast right now about the Sermon on the Mount (see below for links to specific episodes). In the very center of this sermon, Jesus again uses the Lord’s Prayer to teach us to pray. In the podcast, Tim Mackie and Jon Collins share some simple thoughts about this prayer model:
If Jesus used this prayer, we should make it a part of our prayer life. The challenge we face is not allowing them to become rote.
That short prayer focuses on God and our neighbor (us). This should be the core of our prayer life, too.
Another way of praying is through song and music. My pastor often says, “We don’t just sing songs; we pray songs.” I’ve found this to be true. I can be more intent in my prayer when I attach it to a song.
But more important than the model you use to pray is that you work to be with God.
Be with God
As I’ve considered this subject for the last couple of weeks, I’ve concluded that the power of prayer is, more often than not, being with God. I’m reminded of the story in Genesis when Abraham intercedes for Sodom and Gomorrah.1
God shows up at Abraham’s home (tent), and they share a meal together. Two other men leave for Sodom, and God tells Abraham of his plans to destroy the city due to its wickedness. Abraham then intercedes for the city (and ultimately his nephew).
We don’t often think of this passage as a prayer between God and Abraham because they are face to face, but Abraham pleads for a city. But even more important is why the opportunity comes about.
Abraham was able to intercede for Sodom because he had spent time with God.
More than anything, prayer is being with God — you and Him. This is what God longs for; He wants a connection with you.
My challenge for you this week is to be with God. Communicate with him with one of the models above or found online, but be with God.
Study More on the Lord’s Prayer
Read More on Growing Your Inner World
How to Grow the Garden of your Soul you Want
I Just Exposed the Secret For A Beautiful Inward Life
Why Scripture Will Unlock And Energize Your Inner World
Genesis 18