The final subject that we are discussing about faith that matters is prayer. We saved the best for last! The Bible has so much to say about prayer and it is so important, yet for many of us it may be the weakest part of our faith in God. I know for me, I have had seasons in my life where my prayer life was great and then others where my prayers are few and far between. I have had God answer big things in my life (our son being born, a dog that was lost came back) and small things (finding a bolt that had fallen to the bottom of the engine compartment) and everything in between. And still I struggle in my prayer life. The Bible answers four main questions about prayer: for what, how often, where, and how? Maybe a deeper look into these will help in our effort to be better prayers.
The Bible has much to say about what we should pray for. We should pray about everything (Philippians 4:6). There we have it, I don't need to say anymore right? You don't get off the hook that easy. It then goes into detail about specific things we can pray for. We should pray for everyone, especially our political leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2). We even ought to pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). And finally, we should be asking omniscient God for wisdom (James 1:5).
After a study on prayer in the Bible we even find the answer to the question, "how often should we pray?" We are to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), at all times (Ephesians 6:18), continually (1 Chronicles 16:11), and always (Luke 18:1). I think it's pretty clear how often God wants us to talk to Him. But what does that look like? It's been said many times before, but we can't close our eyes and go into deep prayer while we are driving. But we can pray with our eyes open as we chauffeur our family around day in and day out. I think the point is God wants us to be in constant communication with Him about every part of our lives. He knows about it anyway, He just wants us to be open and honest with Him and have a relationship with Him. After all, He went to the greatest length to have a relationship with us - sending His son to die on the cross for our sins. The least we could do is talk to Him in prayer.
Lastly, God tells us through His word how to pray. We are to pray with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6; Colossians 4:2). We are to pray in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18). We should be praying according to His will, not ours (1 John 5:24). Because of Jesus we can go to God in prayer with confidence (Hebrews 4:16). We also should be devoting ourselves to prayer (Romans 12:12). And we shouldn't go to God in prayer expecting Him to answer them if we are harboring sin in our hearts (Psalm 66:18).
There you have it, from cover to cover the Bible has much to say about how to communicate with God through prayer. How is prayer going in your own life? Do you pray with your spouse? Do you pray as a family. If you're reading this, you are most likely the parent of a teenager. Don't stop praying to God. Don't stop praying for your teen. Don't stop praying with your teen. They need the prayer and they need the example of a praying person in their life as well.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people.
~(Ephesians 6:18, NIV)
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