Prayerfully Living

by Tom Gilbert
Published July 15, 2006

We live, we breathe, we face life each day, and sooner or later (if we are fortunate) we discover that there is more to life than just our own thoughts, desires, wants and needs. One of the most powerful ways to escape the bondage of self is prayer. The very act of opening our hearts to a greater power, a Universal Spirit – God is the word I use – is the beginning of turning to something other than relying on our own resources.

Is there a right or a wrong way to pray?

Ultimately, I think not. The use of prayer is powerful, and we don’t have to say exactly the right things or even have perfect motives to get results. However, there is a catch. If you are praying with a narrow mind and the intention of getting what you want just the way you want it then you are bound to be disappointed.

Something You Can Always Do

Praying can be something that we always do, although admittedly this is harder than it sounds. Frequently in my day when I turn to prayer I realize that I haven’t been conscious of God’s constant presence. So, some self discipline is required to develop a better prayer life. New Testament scripture exhorts us to pray, even constantly (Ephesians 6:18). Ultimately we should strive to make all our waking moments acts of prayer. We can live our life as one long prayer.

There are books constantly being written about praying. We are given techniques to improve prayer, different ideas of what praying can be and ongoing insight into living a life of faith that includes regular prayer.

Jesus, as recorded in the Gospels, made time for prayer. He would often rise early in the morning and go off by himself for solitude and prayer (Mark 1:35. This practice has become popularized in recent years with the rediscovery of contemplative prayer. An early practice by some Christians, it involves sitting quietly without thinking or speaking and turning our intention to God. We are quieting our inner turbulence and letting God “speak” to us in the silence.

Jesus also prayed for others, particularly in the moving prayer to Father God recorded in the Gospel of John. He prayed for the unity of his followers, that we might all know the intimate personal relationship with God that Jesus has. He even prayed for those who would believe in Jesus because of the message he brought to us, that he was sent to us to reveal the Father. The whole chapter 17 in John’s Gospel is quite beautiful.

Examples Abound

Of course, we have many examples in the Bible of praying during times of struggles, trials and temptations, from Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane prior to his arrest and passion to the many Psalms and books by the Prophets. Some of the greatest demonstrations of prayer under trying circumstances are included in the Acts of the Apostles and Paul’s many powerful letters.

The popularity of sharing prayer requests has certainly grown. As scripture states, Christ told his followers “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). Web sites like our own at www.livingthesolution.com allow you to submit your prayer requests and let us pray with you for your intentions. Unfortunately I frequently find large numbers of prayer requests asking God to simply solve whatever problems the prayer faces. Surely God does answer our prayers, but often it is in our living in faith AND action. God gave us brains, creativity and imagination and it is a selfish thing to ask God to give us what we want like it is a list for a cosmic Santa Claus. What we think is the easier way is often not the best way. Conversely, God might encourage us to do something we see as too hard, but in the end will help us more.

We also should avoid bargaining with God in our prayers. God doesn’t want our negotiation. He wants our allegiance, our obedience and our willingness to do those simple things, like love others, be kind, merciful and helpful.

Here are some key ingredients that I think can improve the way you pray.

Be honest

Being real about your life, your limits, God’s power and that you need some help is a good thing. And it is okay to even be angry or frustrated and to tell God that. God’s big enough to take it. Keep in mind that we all need help. Some of the most honest prayers are simple ones like “God, help me”.

Be humble

In our relationship with the Almighty it’s a good idea to realize that while we are responsible for our thoughts and actions we aren’t running the show. He is the potter; we are the clay. (Isaiah 64:8; Jeremiah 18:6)

Be open-minded

Turning things over in prayer allows us to let go of struggling to find answers to our dilemmas. God can and does work in mysterious ways. Or God may just give us some practical insight. Don’t be a know-it-all. That advice applies to me in submitting these prayer tips.

Be willing

Having willingness to pray is essential. Be willing to pray, to make the effort, and to set aside time alone with God communing with Him. Furthermore, be willing to do the work/action that the Holy Spirit suggests. If you keep asking God for guidance His Spirit will provide it, and if you are honest, humble, open-minded and willing you will probably discern that guidance.

Be grateful

Spending some of our prayer time thanking the Creator for the amazing gift of life, for our many blessings, even for our trials and tribulations that grow and stretch us will inevitably put us in a better frame of mind. Jesus was constantly thanking the Father and so were many of our spiritual brothers and sisters featured in the Bible.

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