Written by Dr. Jim Grassi
American evangelist Billy Graham preached to hundreds of millions world-wide and counseled several U.S. presidents. He preached the gospel to more people than anyone in the history of Christianity. With a ministry that spanned 185 countries, his life and ministry were bathed in prayer. Believing prayer was not just a religious practice but a fundamental aspect of a life lived in connection with God, he stated:
- We are to pray in times of adversity, lest we become faithless and unbelieving. We are to pray in times of prosperity, lest we become boastful and proud. We are to pray in times of danger, lest we become fearful and doubtful. We are to pray in times of security, lest we become self-sufficient.
- We can change the course of events if we go to our knees in believing prayer.
- You cannot afford to be too busy to pray.
- Prayer should not be merely an act, but an attitude of life.
So, what is prayer and how do we pray? Most of us have asked this at some point in life. Even the disciples asked Jesus how to pray (Luke 11:1). Jesus gave us a model prayer, and we see many other examples from the apostles’ prayers throughout the New Testament. The key is to communicate – and often. Although it can take different forms, one of the hallmarks of a great relationship with God or anyone else is open, honest, continuous communication. Without it, relationship is impossible.
During my travels, I have observed different approaches to prayer. Many people speak as if God is physically present in the room – because He is (Matthew 18:20, Psalm 145:18). Although there are benefits to praying out loud and with others, for some it is awkward or intimidating. Be assured that God hears our thoughts and silent prayers, too.
“You know when I sit down and when I get up; You understand my thought from far away” (Psalm 139:2).
Besides building a personal relationship with God, prayer anoints our spirit, soothes our hearts, prepares our minds for the day’s challenges, and establishes the day’s priorities. It allows us to thank God for His goodness, give Him our concerns, and petition on behalf of others.
Prayer is also the internal guidance system God uses to direct us, the pathway that connects our convictions to our actions. It is a conversation, not a monologue: If we listen, the Lord can speak to us through His Spirit, who lives within us. In fact, sometimes prayer begins by simply being quiet before the Lord, enjoying His presence, and opening ourselves to hearing from His Spirit. As we spend more time with God, we become more aware of His presence, and prayer becomes continuous, an attitude of life.
Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Personal Application: How aware are you of God’s constant presence? How often do you pray – and listen for God’s response? Spend at least one-half hour alone with the Lord this week and simply talk with Him. Be quiet before Him during part of this time and let Him speak to you through His Spirit or His Word.
- Taken in part from Getting in the Game: Joining Jesus on Mission by Dr. Jim Grassi, Rev. Wendell Morton, Pastor Rob Fischer
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5