But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. -Luke 5:16
One of the most important practices of the Christian faith is also one that is the most neglected, and that is the practice of prayer. Prayer is a vital discipline in the life of the believer. Without prayer we cannot grow in our faith. Prayer is spiritual nutrition for the soul. Prayer leads us to a greater understanding of spiritual matters. Prayer leads us to a deeper level of faith and a closer walk with God. Those most committed to Christ and who are the most spiritually mature will always be those with the most disciplined prayer lives. The maturing follower of Christ will seek to be engaged in an active prayer life. Consider some of the benefits of prayer:
· Brings peace in our lives
· Gives us spiritual strength
· Develops spiritual maturity.
· Develops patience.
· Deepens our faith.
· Brings us into the presence of God.
· Makes a positive difference in our lives.
· Positively effects others.
The great leaders of the Bible always demonstrated a disciplined prayer life. In times of trouble the biblical leaders always turned to God in prayer. The leaders of the early church were people committed to prayer. Clearly these pillars of the faith earnestly believed in the power of prayer.
Years ago I heard a joke about a preacher that received a call from another church telling him they wanted him to come and be their pastor. He said he wasn't interested. The chairman of the search committee said that they would double his salary. The preacher said he'd call back. The preacher informed his wife of these events, and then told her that he was going to go and pray about the decision. His wife asked if he wanted her to join him in this important time of prayer. “No,” he replied, “you start packing.” As silly as that story is, it illustrates an important point; such major, life changing decisions, do indeed require serious and earnest prayer, regardless of how we feel about the decision.
As with worship, we do not wish to place attention on ourselves, but we want all glory and honor to be directed to the Lord. Jesus said that having a private place to pray is a means to spiritual growth. It may not be a prayer closet, but it can be the quiet of your living room very early in the morning. Or it may be on the porch, or beside the garden. What is most important is to spend time alone with God daily and as often as possible. We are challenged by Christ Himself to sincerely pray from the heart with the purest of motives. We are blessed when we do so, and we are spiritually strengthened to deeper levels of faith, resulting in a more serene, happy, and positive outlook.
Prayer can be like a healing rain during a spiritual drought.
Prayer is like steel girders which hold together our spiritual house.
Prayer is the power source for an effective Christian life.
Pray in faith; pray in confidence that the Lord will hear. He always does, and He always will.
From, Get up and Grow: Becoming an Mature Christian, by Dan Birchfield
