Still Thinking About Prayer
Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray (Psalm 5:2). Let my prayer come before Thee: incline thine ear unto my cry (Psalm 88;2). Thou hast heard my voice: hide not Thine ear at my breathing, at my cry (Lamentations 3:56).
Have you ever noticed when people are praying aloud in a group that some of them are peeking out at others? To answer yes, you would have to admit that you were also peeking. There are some who never close their eyes when praying, even when praying in a group. We somewhat assume that little children will be peeking, but when people are peeking, are they really praying? We’re supposed to be praying with the one who is praying, even adding to their prayer in our minds.
Example: The one praying petitions God to speak to an unsaved person in the church. There will be some who will be praying, “Yes, Lord. Please convict this one of his need to repent of his sin by Thy Holy Spirit!” We know that prayer is intimate conversation with our Sovereign God. Do we truly experience an intimate relationship with our Creator when someone else is leading?
Prayer is personal, intimate conversation with the Creator. Many prayer conversations throughout the day do not have an opening, Father, nor a closing, Amen. Every single prayer cry is heard and appropriately answered. God does not overlook any request, no matter how slight, not ignore any desire, no matter how trite. His answer may not always be what I had hoped it would be, but I know without a doubt it is the correct, the best, the perfect answer. Still, I wonder, do people who gaze about during a group prayer ever see answers? Why haven’t they prayed when they had the opportunity? I’m not their judge, but I can pray for them.
Often in a round circle, instead of praying with the one leading, we are thinking about what we are going to pray. It is God’s desire that we pray jointly or praying in concert with the one who is praying. Jesus said, For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them (Matthew 18:20). Sometimes, God’s people are gathered together bodily, but often, they are not gathered together in concert, and you have to wonder if the prayer was genuine and whether or not God recognized our sincerity (or lack thereof), calling on Him to do something that would bring glory to His name.
Give some thought to this matter. What is it that really gets into the presence of God? I don’t think it matters whether eyes are closed or open. I do think we have lost the practice of getting on our knees in humility before God. Often when in a group and a prayer of petition or praise is being mouthed, an inward or even audible “Amen,” or “Yes, Lord,” might be appropriate. How many times have you left a prayer time thinking that the prayers expressed only bounced around the walls of the prayer room? When is the last time you prayed in a group and you really felt that it was a time of connecting with the Lord, crying out to Him Who alone can answer our prayers? Do we really want to see God do something? In praying for the lost, for our leaders in Washington, for our missionaries on the mission fields of the world, for a spiritual awakening in our nation and so many other requests, do we really want God to do something? Do our prayers truly reveal our heart concern?
Unity
Unity is very important to getting prayers answered. The two or three that are gathered for prayer in Matthew 18:20 would be brothers and sisters in Christ who love God and one another. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
When the saints gathered in the New Testament, they continued with ONE ACCORD in prayer and supplication (Acts 1:14). And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place (Acts 2:1). No wonder God was about to do something incredible. “I believe the blessing of Pentecost never would have been given but for that spirit of unity” (D. L. Moody).
When there is division in the church, it is foolish to have a prayer meeting. Until the sin that is causing the division is confessed and repented of, there is no use trying to pray about anything, for God will not give those prayers any attention.
Paul sought others to pray for him. Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye STRIVE TOGETHER with me in your prayers to God for me (Romans 15:30). Paul fully recognized that the key to his ministry being sustained was dependent on the prayers of the saints. Not only do we have that same need, but our churches, missionaries, saints facing great persecution in other countries, Christian schools, Christian radio and so many other ministries depend on us to strive together in prayer for one another.
George Stiekes serves as a Lay Pastor at Bethany Bible Church in Hendersonville, NC. See here for a more complete bio of brother Stiekes extensive ministry. We republish his material by permission.
Photo by adrianna geo on Unsplash