Is Prayer Just Another Resource?

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16 NIV

“As we pray, we can feel a change in our spiritual life. We are closer to God because we continuously communicate. Through prayer, we acknowledge that His love for us is infinite, and He will never leave us.” Glory Dy

Do I pray to convince the Father? For many years, this was my way. I begged, pleaded, yelled, cried and had tantrums. The Father sees all for eternity. I see vaguely “as through a foggy mirror.” I was trying to get my way and when I didn’t, shaky faith. The Lord himself talked about the Christian whose seeds of faith fell on rocky ground so it didn’t take root, others fell by the wayside where birds ate them and some were choked out by the cares of the world. We’re so vulnerable!

Maturity. When I became a Christian, the Father was seen, though unconsciously, as another resource to get my way. We use many resources to improve our situation like counseling, books and support groups but… The Father is not a genie handing out this or that! We’d be spoiled brats. Many times the Father let me have my way with some painful results—lessons. In Hebrews, it states that even Jesus learned discipline through the things He suffered. I can’t have an intimate relationship with the Father if I use Him like a vending machine.

Prayers have been sent for many people and situations throughout my life. Sometimes the answer was yes and sometimes the answer was no and sometimes the answer was wait because I was not ready—immature or lacking humility and knowledge. For me, this was usually the case. Some, very few, will not be answered here on Earth.

Spiritual gifts from prayer:

Prayer opens the heart.

Prayer changes us from self-seeking to God-seeking.

Prayer humbles.

Prayer encourages.

Prayer inspires.

Prayer makes one more empathetic and compassionate.

Prayer always works though we are flawed persons and may not see the results immediately.

Prayer should start with “Our Father who is in Heaven, hallowed be Your name.”

Prayer works—Rarely the way I expect. The Bible says that the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings too deep for words. I clung to this promise when my husband was ill and through the early months of widowhood. Cling to the Holy Spirit when prayer is impossible for you. “Help me” is a very good prayer.

Musings

When I am beyond words, I pray the Psalms. There is a Psalm for all of life’s challenges. The Psalms end with inspiration, hope and teaching. Jesus quoted a Psalm on the cross. When all resources are spent, that’s when we pray. Let’s pray first and trust the Holy Spirit to pray for us too.

Prayer

Dear Father,

Thank you for prayer, though we discount it and manipulate it. Help us to truly see the riches of prayer and not just the results. Help us to appreciate the intimacy, self-awareness, and growth that comes from prayer. Help us to put it first and always.

Amen.