Growing in Prayer

Jan 28

At Grace Alive we have been focusing our attention on prayer at the beginning of the new year. Through our 21 Days of Prayer and our Praying with Jesus sermon series we have been challenged to dive deeper into our understanding and practice of prayer. As Christians we know that we are called to pray. The teaching of Jesus shows an expectation that prayer will be a regular part of a believer’s life (Mt. 6:5-15). His life also shows a rhythm and pattern of prayer that serves as an example for us (Lk. 5:16). Throughout both the Old and New Testament we find example after example that show God’s people are to be people of prayer. We are not just people that pray occasionally but people defined by and built upon prayer. We are called to be constant in prayer and to pray without ceasing (Rom. 12:12, 1 Thess. 5:16-18). But how do we get to this point? For most of us knowing we should pray and actually doing it are very different things. While we may desire to pray, we often struggle with prayer and feel dissatisfied with our prayer lives. If we desire to grow in prayer, we must orient our hearts toward God and use strategies that help us overcome our challenges in prayer.

Heart Postures for Growth in Prayer

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Phil. 4:6

Instead of being anxious we are called to pray. Life is full of troubles, unexpected situations, and things that ultimately seem out of our control. We have two possible responses, anxiety or prayer. In anxiety we worry either putting the weight on ourselves so that we can resolve the issue, or we give up after realizing our helplessness and are crushed under the weight. We depend on ourselves or accept defeat. However, Paul calls us to pray. To do this we must be dependent on God. We must understand our finitude and his greatness, that he is willing and able to act on our behalf. We do not have to overexert ourselves or face defeat. It is only when we live in dependence on God that we will make all things known to him in prayer.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Ron. 12:12

As Paul considers the marks of a Christian, he lists characteristics that are not natural or intuitive for us. We are not naturally hopeful, patient in the face of trouble, or constant in prayer. It is only through living with an awareness of God that we can display these characteristics. We must understand that God is at work through all things and it is his involvement that allows us to be patient even in the face of tribulation and persistent in prayer. He is present in the affairs of the world and the lives of his people. It is only through this God-centered lens that we can be constant in prayer.

Praying Scripture: A Strategy for Growth in Prayer

One of the most beneficial prayer strategies for me is praying Scripture. I’m sure most of us can relate to feeling as if we are constantly praying about the same things and at times not knowing what to pray. By praying Scripture, you pray as you read through a selected passage. You pray both the contents of the passage and anything else that comes to mind as you read it. This offers a focus to prayer and adds variety in topics and the ways they are addressed. For example, praying Psalm 19 may begin like this

Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

Prayer: Father, thank you that you reveal your glory to us through your creation. Everyday I see the sky, sun, clouds, trees, and all that you have made, and I typically take them for granted. They have become a regular part of the world and in my busyness, I often miss their revelation of your glory. May you give me an awareness of all the ways you reveal yourself in the world. May I marvel at your creation and all that you have made. May you help me to view you as intimately involved in the world and help me not to forget that you are its creator and sustainer. As men we frequently focus more on the creation than the creator, the works of our own hands instead of yours. May we give you glory and not created things or ourselves. May you soften hearts and reveal yourself to those that do not know you. May your creation point them towards you. May we as your people proclaim your glory just as the sky does. May we proclaim your name to the world…………….

Without the Psalm guiding me I likely would not have prayed this prayer. It contains many common themes of prayer like a deeper knowledge of God, proclaiming God to nonbelievers, intimacy with God, and worship but they are addressed in a fresh way. And some things are mentioned that may not have come up otherwise such as a greater awareness of God through his creation. This method provides a great structure to our prayer time, a deeper knowledge of God’s word, and an assurance that we are praying within God’s will. For more details on this method and some of its benefits see the resources below.

It is my prayer that this strategy would be helpful to you and lead to a rejuvenation of your prayer life. There are many other strategies as well. Some will be covered in this blog series, but you can learn others as you talk with other believers and encounter new resources. I recommend you seek those that address areas of weakness for you and I pray that God uses them to draw you nearer to him.