A Ministry of Prayer

Romans 15:30-33

President Obama cancelled the national day of prayer because some non Christians might be offended, but declared a nationasl day of prayer for Moslems, upsetting many Christians. Many are upset about forbidding prayer in many schools. I believe some of them are legitimate concerns, but they are not new. Many similar restrictions were in effect in Jesus’ day.

While public prayer may be banned in our schools, prayer is not restricted at all. It is not possible to ban prayer. Some of the things we are concerned about relating to prayer are challenged by Christ himself. For example, some have insisted in having a preyer meeting around the flagpole at school so others would know they are Christians. Matthew 6:5 calls the practice into question. “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.”

If we live in a manner that is pleasing to God everyday, it will not be necessary to make a show of being Christian. They will already know. It is hypoctitical to make a show if we don’t live that way daily. Rather than making such a show, Matthew 6: 6 instructs, “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” Far too often, public prayer concentrates on pleasing the hearers, rather than on communicating with God.

In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus told of an unjust Judge, with no interest in what was right. Even he was willing to give what was desired to get the widow to quit bugging him. “And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?”

God is not like the unjust judge. He can be trusted to do what is right without nagging him. Repeating the same prayers and requests implies that we can not trust God to keep his promises. We are like the unbelievers who hope to get results by repeated demands. Matthew 6:7-8 commands us not to behave in such a manner. “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.”

Many people become concerned that they don’t know how to pray like they ought to. As a result, different groups wrote prayer books or memorized certain prayers, and others recommend praying the scriptures. The concern about not praying properly is unfounded. God already knows what you need. Romans 8:26-27 Addresses this more fully. “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”

Rather than repeating some words that don’t quite express what we mean or that we don’t quite understand, we can express our own thoughts freely and trust the Holy Spirit to convey the meaning to God properly. It is not really your prayer but someone else’s. Jesus then proceeds to give us an example of how to pray. Couched in King James English it is easy to miss the point that this prayer is as a child talking to his Dad, whom he respects and loves, and who loves him. It was far less formal than even most modern translations make it, yet far more expressive of the love and respect the child has.

“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” (Matthew 6:9-13)

Notice the love and respect expressed in the concern that God be pleased with what is done, and that he be recognized. The requests are not demands, or focused on one’s own way, and acknowledges our dependence on God for what we receive. It also acknowledges our responsibilities before God, requesting his guidance in fulfilling them. Jesus is quite clear that like a parent, God is not obligated to do as we ask, and especially when we have not fulfilled our responsibilities. “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15)

It is with these guidelines for prayer that Paul advised Timothy of the Christians responsibility to pray in I Timothy 2:1-3. “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour.” While we are to pray for everyone, and in particular our leaders, even ones we dislike, there is a special need for those who serve the Lord. Notice the things Paul said we need to pray for in their lives.

“Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.” (Romans 15:30-33)

Numerous books have been written about prayer. Most have stressed having a particular place and time to pray. Paul’s instruction is different. I Timothy 2:8 states, “I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” It is not to be limited to a particular place. Modern churches have stressed the idea of lifting the hands, but the implication here is more in the sense of the traditional supplication than the modern position.

In I Thessalonians 5:17-18 Paul directs, “Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Hebrews 13:15 emphasizes the thanks giving. “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”

To fulfill Paul’s instruction requires more than just praying in a particular place for a certain amount of time. It will require maintaining an attitude of prayer throughout the day. I am reminded of a lady whose children complained she never finished a prayer, never said, “Amen.” She would periodically ask for help or thank God for something throughout the day, with no warning. Watch a happily married couple to see how it works. Most communication takes place in an informal manner. Serious conversations occur spontaneously and are not a struggle, because communication has been maintained steadily.

Prayer, like communication in a marriage, should be a freely flowing expression of thoughts and concerns. When it is not, but is a burden, there is a serious problem. If one is afraid to express his own thoughts or feelings, trust is lacking. Spiritual life is hampered.

Several Marriage counselors have recommended that a couple sit down and talk for an hour a day. Try it. Rather than enhancing communication, it prevented it. The entire hour was spent trying to think of something to say. While we talked for the hour, the main thing that was communicated was our discomfort. Trying to pray for a specified amount of time has the same effect.