Spiritual Growth - Prayer

This is part two of a three part series as a follow up from the message “Obedience to the Word Results in Growth” that I taught at The Embassy on October 13.

Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.

1 Peter 2:1-3

Spiritual Growth – Prayer

The passage above doesn’t mention prayer specifically, but prayer is one of the most vital aspects of the follower of Jesus’ life.  Unfortunately in my experience it has been one of the least taught subjects in church.  When I was a kid I thought prayer was only for times when something was wrong.  The idea of being in a personal relationship with God Himself was not taught until I was in my mid-teenage years.  Below is my advice for developing your prayer life.

Pray in a way that is physically comfortable for you.

The Bible does not tell us that we have to kneel, sit in a chair, lay on the ground, raise hands, or follow any kind of ritual when we pray.  You have great freedom in this area.  There have been times where I’ve laid face down on the floor to pray, usually at my most desperate moments, but I usually sit in a chair or go for a walk for my daily prayer time.

Set aside a time and place for daily prayer.

The gospels record that Jesus often snuck away from the crowds and his disciples for times of prayer.  If Jesus, who existed in the form of God (Philippians 2:6), found it necessary to be alone in prayer with the Father, how much more should we?  Many people say you should have your prayer time first thing in the morning to get your day started right, but if you’re not a morning person it’s okay to have your prayer time any time of the day.  If you’ve never consistently done this before start with something small, like 5-10 minutes a day.  If you miss a day don’t beat yourself up, just start again the next day with 5-10 minutes. 

Pray throughout the day.

The time set aside daily for prayer is important but it is also important to pray throughout the day.  If you realize you’ve sinned, pray a quick prayer of confession.  If you’re feeling stressed, pray for God’s peace.  Pray for the people you come into contact with during the day. 

Pray like you’re talking to your Father and friend.

You are.  One of the privileges of being a follower of Jesus is the ability to call the God of the universe Father.  “For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” (Romans 8:15).  We don’t have to live in fear of an angry God.   We are beloved children of a loving Father who is always working for our good (Romans 8:28).  Just talk to Him about what is on your heart.

Don’t forget to listen.

This may seem difficult at first, but remember that prayer is communication with God and communication involves talking and listening.  Different people “hear” from God in different ways.  In time I believe you’ll come to recognize God’s “voice” in your life.

Try to include the following in your prayers.

·         Praise – Praise God for who He is.

·         Confession – Confess your sins, ask God to protect you from temptation, and ask God to reveal the areas of sin you’re not yet aware of.

·         Thanksgiving – Thank God for all of the good gifts He has given you, the most important of which is salvation through faith in Jesus.

·         Supplication – A fancy way of saying tell God what you want.  I would advise that you do this humbly, but boldly.  Check your motives though.  Do you want what you want for your benefit or God’s glory?

·         Intercession – Pray for the needs of other people.