See Prayer as a Gift
“Our reward, or ‘payment,’ for establishing and building upon our prayer life is to experience the unsearchable riches of Christ.”
~ Annie Brown
“In a 2017 conducted study, George Barna states that prayer is the most acted on faith practice for American adults. Regarding how these individuals most commonly pray, the researchers concluded that 94% choose to do so alone. (Barna, 2017). ”
In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus speaks to the beauty of private prayer or “prayer behind closed doors.” In a continuation of The Sermon on the Mount, we are gifted with 11 impactful verses, directly taught by Christ Himself on prayer. To the disciples, witnessing crowd, and us today, Jesus provides the “what not to do” (vs 5,7,8) and “what to do” (vs 6, 9-15) when praying. For a girl who needs an exact “play-by-play” most days, I am thankful for Christ’s directness in this passage.
“Greater than any tangible present falling from Heaven every time we pray; we acknowledge that our greatest reward is Jesus Himself - both on earth and in eternity.”
Three PRIMARY prayer factors
As we consider this topic, there are so many factors with prayer and by no means will this blog address all that goes into prayer. This blog will focus on specifically three primary prayer factors. While these may seem elementary in your personal experience with Christ, allow yourself to see these again with a fresh encounter.
Prayer is PERSONAL.
Prayer is not OPTIONAL.
Prayer is COMMUNAL.
Prayer is PERSONAL
We are to not be like the hypocrites, practicing insincere prayer as a means of recognition and applause for “holy” living. Rather, we are to pray in secret, behind closed doors, experiencing intimacy with the Father who sees (v.6). Christ promises that a reward proceeds our prayer time. Reward in this context simply translates to mean “pay for what has been done.” Greater than any tangible present falling from Heaven every time we pray; we acknowledge that our greatest reward is Jesus Himself- both on earth and in eternity. In keeping the commands and statues of the Lord, we are surely blessed. Our reward or “payment” for establishing and building upon our prayer life is to experience the unsearchable riches of Christ (Ephesians 3:8-9, Ephesians 1:7-14).
He is our reward
Our reward or “payment” for establishing and building upon our prayer life is to experience the unsearchable riches of Christ (Ephesians 3:8-9, Ephesians 1:7-14).
For Christians today, there is no requirement to climb a mountain or offer a physical sacrifice as seen in the Old Testament. As you know, practically speaking, if we are in sin, we first come to the Father with brokenness and repentance (I John 1:9) but the point is, the Father is approachable! Positionally being in Christ, there is no “clean-up” to be done beforehand, as we can enter the presence of God just as we are. We have this gift of access because He has accepted us (Hebrews 4:16). THIS is the greatest gift. To approach God who is Holy, Holy, Holy (Isaiah 6:3) in all of our imperfection is overwhelming.
Because of what Christ did on the cross, we can go into our room and pray to the Lord in secret. Our obedience in praying is incomparable to that of Christ- our perfect example. Jesus’ obedience to the Father atop Calvary was devastating and astronomical in cost. He paid the debt I owe and rewards me with His grace. Utterly unworthy of His mercy, it remains new every morning. Hallelujah!
Come to His Throne!
Prayer is both a spiritual discipline AND a divine opportunity.
Prayer is not OPTIONAL
Prayer is both a spiritual discipline AND a divine opportunity. Jesus does not ask us to pray but instructs us to pray, “and when you pray…” (v.5, emphasis added). The Lord’s Prayer concludes this passage in Matthew 6. Again, as if the beginning was unclear, Christ then gives us a model prayer that beautifully encompasses our Christian faith. We begin in recognition of the set-apart nature of God who alone is holy and lifted high (vs. 9-10). Depraved without Christ, our neediness is both physical and spiritual. Apart from the Lord, we are nothing and can do nothing. Our bodies and souls require His gracious provision every single day (v.11). Born as Adam’s descendants, our sinful nature remains intact, yet in our daily request for God’s forgiveness, we are being transformed and sanctified to walk as children of the Light (v.12). The need for guidance from the Holy Spirit to walk and live uprightly, fleeing from temptation marks every day (v.13).
This photo is from my office. I see this every day, throughout the day, and it reminds me of where my strength comes from.
~ Rich Brown
“Youth leader, we know we are to pray for those we serve but first and foremost, we need to be leaders who are seekers of our Father and desperately in need of Him. Not because we are “paid to pray” but because we are His sons and daughters. ”
Prayer is COMMUNAL
I began this blog by drawing attention to the beauty of individual, private prayer. This is not to the discredit and tremendous value of corporate prayer. We need each other and we need to join with other brothers and sisters when coming to the Father. The joy of holding hands with our faith family to say The Lord’s Prayer is abundant. Laying hands on newly ordained deacons and commissioning their calling to serve the Bride of Christ is Scriptural. Gathering with student ministry leaders before a Wednesday night are what calms the chaos and establishes unity. In every manner, prayer is a gift. It is an opportunity that we too often take advantage of. Though God primarily speaks to us through His written Word, our interpretation of the Word must begin and end with prayer. Without Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6 and many others, hypocritical prayers or an absent prayer life would undoubtedly exist for me. May you today enjoy your gift of Jesus and connecting with the Father.
Be Encouraged,
-AB
