Many of us learned about prayer at our mother’s knees, and additionally beside our bed. That act became “mighty handy” when we found our fragility in some unexpected experiences.
That old saying: “There are no atheists in fox holes” becomes a revolutionary experience for many when the “chips are down”, as we face the unexpected and can think of no possibility of escape from that moment.
A few thoughts about prayer should prove to be refreshing for each of us as we face the dilemmas of life; whether they be physical, mental, emotional… whatever! We have spoken previously about the armor of God and the necessity of “putting it on”. Let us for a little further thinking do some analyzing. What is prayer?
Prayer is adoration! I cannot pray without acknowledging that the One to Whom I am praying is worthy and capable of my adoration. After all, I have probably met my “wit’s end” at this point and I am “forced” to turn, with humility of heart, to the ONE and only who is worthy and possesses the possibility of hearing and answering.
Prayer is also confession! It is an acknowledging that I have reached my limits. I not only recognize the Lord, but I want to make every object that stands between us be removed. I seek His forgiveness so that my plea will find no obstruction.
Prayer is thanksgiving! It is a reminder that I have not forgotten what He has done on my behalf previously, but also it is the very reason I am approaching Him again. He is delighted that, as His child, I am sufficiently humbled to be thankful, and never just take Him for granted.
Naturally, prayer is petition! I am beseeching Him to act on my behalf. It does not exude He is responsible, but rather it displays my dependence that I am coming to Him because He invited me to do so. It shows again a deeper sense of His ability and willingness to my dependency.
A final word for the moment! Intercession! It should be more than me, my, I, but recognition of others needs as equal to our own. It is to reveal to Him as the One and only One on Whom I can depend; and so I plead my cause! For a reminder, I submit Romans 8:26, 27 – “In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words… He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”
ETCetera 