I recall in the early days of my youth trying to pray an hour. I thought prayer was simply praying for urgent needs. I would pray for the requests I heard mentioned at church. I prayed for Sis Sue’s nephew who had had an accident or Grandma Grace who was going in for surgery. After a while I would run out of requests pray for. As time went by and I grew in prayer, I realized that prayer was much more than asking. Prayer is for worship, communion with God, and receiving wisdom and understanding from Him.
Prayer includes worship. David wrote: “One thing have I desired of the Lord and that will I seek after. That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord” (Psalm 27:4). The Hebrew word beauty means pleasantness, splendor, grace and favor. David referred to the beauty of God’s character as it was shown in the worship of God. In worshipping God in his sanctuary the character of God is seen as it is not seen elsewhere.
Our worship in prayer is adapted to set forth His greatness, glory, and grace. Great truths are brought to mind that lifts your spirit into the presence of God. You receive strength that sustains you in the trials of life. Begin your time of prayer with worship and you get God’s attention.
Prayer is communion with God. You find a great blessedness in prayer as you sense that shift in your spirit that allows you to know that He is listening. You have His ear to ask and receive answers. In this time you receive strength that stays with you. You go about your work and feel that strength of your time of communion with God all through your day.
Prayer is a time to receive wisdom and understanding from God. Wisdom says: “Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord” (Pro. 8:34-36). James writes that if any man lacks wisdom, let him ask of God. (1:5). In prayer we receive wisdom and understanding in making life decisions. During our intercession we can ask God for wisdom to discern what the real need is in the lives of people for whom we pray.
Prayer has many aspects. Intercession is just one facet of prayer. Learn to worship, to wait on God in communion and to seek Him for wisdom. Then your time of prayer will become more rewarding as you praise and adore Him for who He is. Since my early days of learning to pray, I have found the joy and worth of worship, communion and seeking God’s wisdom. I have not been disappointed in this dimension of prayer. I believe you will find this to be true in your life.
BOOK SUGGESTION: Mighty Prevailing Prayer by Wesley Duewell
~Cheryl Craft