The BasicsSample

PRAYER

If we want to live as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ, there are some basic things that we all must do. We often refer to these practices as spiritual disciplines. They are basic aspects of the Christian life that should be incorporated into our lives as regular routines if we are to follow Christ as we are called to do. These are all things we know about, but most of us still need encouraging reminders of their importance. One of these disciplines is prayer.

Many years ago, when I was in a church youth choir, we sang a song that had these words:

“Pray, no matter how bad the chances;
Pray, whenever the foe advances;
Pray, whatever the circumstances;
Just pray,”

However, God has much more to say in His Word concerning prayer that could be mentioned, reminding us of just how important prayer is and some of the reasons why it is so valuable for us.

• Jesus, the One we seek to follow, modeled a life of prayer (Luke 6:12).
• We should pray about everything (Philippians 4:6)
• We should pray so that we will not enter into temptation (Luke 22:40)
• We should pray when we are suffering and/or for healing (James 5:13-14).
• We should pray as a means of engaging in spiritual battle (Matthew 17:21).

Let me also offer six practical suggestions for how you can incorporate the discipline of prayer more fully in your life.

1. Have a designated place (your “prayer closet”) to go to for times of uninterrupted prayer.
2. Go regularly and consistently to that place of prayer to meet with, speak to, and listen to God.
3. Carry on a conversation with God throughout the day, talking to Him as you would to a friend.
4. As God in “real-time” to guide you as you make even the smallest decisions and as life situations arise.
5. Pray the Scriptures. Learn how to use God’s Word to pray about things, bringing His Word to each circumstance you face.
6. Above all, be completely honest with God in your prayers. He knows the human heart, and nothing can be hidden from Him.

Prayer is one of the greatest gifts and most powerful weapons we have. Oswald Chambers said, “Prayer does not equip us for the greater work. Prayer is the greater work.” Simply, there is no greater thing we can do than pray. It may be basic, but it is profoundly powerful.