Back to the BasicsSample

As we desire to return to the basics of our faith, we find ourselves considering one of the most fundamental and powerful spiritual disciplines: prayer. Just as we may have started our faith journey with a simplified view of the gospel, we might have approached prayer with a limited and stunted understanding. It is necessary to have a full understanding of how Christ describes prayer and ultimately the call to prayer that scripture presents before us all.

Prayer is more than a mere conversation with God; it's a transformative spiritual discipline. It's the way we connect with our Father, express our deepest feelings and desires, and seek guidance, comfort, and strength in every moment. In the words of Jesus, prayer must hold a central place in our faith! Matthew 6:6 reminds us of the private and personal nature of prayer: "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

Going Deeper:

To fully practice the depth of this spiritual discipline, it becomes important to explore the various aspects of prayer. There is the prayer of thanksgiving, where we express gratitude for God's blessings. The fact that there is breath in our lungs is a miracle, yet we can neglect to thank the Lord for this. The prayer of confession allows us to seek forgiveness and healing. Confession is not revealing something to the Lord that He is just now finding out -- confession is inviting the Lord into the healing that follows admitting we are sinners, undeserving of grace. Supplication involves presenting our needs and desires to God. Matthew 7:9-11 reminds us that God is a good father who loves giving good gifts to His children. “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" Another aspect of prayer is intercession, the act of praying for others. Jesus is our great intercessor, and it is our calling to intercede for others also.

These different forms of prayer are the instructions that guide us in building a solid foundation in our relationship with Christ. It is important to recognize that prayer is not an optional accessory to our day-to-day lives; it's the cornerstone of our faith! Prayer is the foundational tool that shapes our lives in a thousand different ways. Through prayer, we open ourselves to God's guidance, allowing Him to mold us into His image, helping us become and look more like Him. Prayer is an opportunity to transform our lives and go back to the basics of our faith with renewed passion.

Heavenly Father, increase our capacity to love you and deepen our burden to come closer to your presence. Teach us how to pray in a manner that honors and glorifies you.

Correct any previous ideas we may hold about prayer and instead direct our hearts to be fully aligned with yours.