Prayer and Its True Nature
Prayer is intelligent communion with God that positions you to manifest His glory. It is not mere words or vain repetitions but a heart-to-heart communication with the Father.
Dimensions of Prayer
- Fellowship with the Godhead — Growing intimacy with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- Demand on nature — Commanding creation to align with God’s Word.
- Command to Satan — Rebuking opposition to the advancement of God’s kingdom.
“Teach Us to Pray”
In Luke 11:1, the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray. They observed the direct link between His private prayer life and His public power. They did not ask to be taught to multiply bread or open blind eyes; they understood that effective prayer is the foundation of supernatural results.
The Problem of Religious Prayer
- Praying merely to satisfy the conscience or to be seen is religious prayer.
- Such prayer produces no results, contrary to the biblical expectation that prayer should accomplish something (cf. Matthew 21:21).
The Aim of Prayer
The purpose of prayer is results, not just the act of praying. James 5:16 (AMPC) says the heartfelt, continued prayer of a righteous person makes tremendous power available—dynamic in its working. Sons of God are living dynamos, able to generate divine power for any situation.
Why We Must Be Taught to Pray
- Jesus taught His disciples — It is biblical to receive instruction.
- Prayer must produce results — Otherwise we deviate from the pattern of Scripture.
- To avoid religious prayer — We pray with intent, expectation, and alignment with God’s will.
Personal and Group Prayer
Group prayer is powerful, but its effectiveness depends on the strength of individual personal prayer. You cannot delegate your personal prayer life. Each believer must cultivate effective, consistent communion with God.
Call to Action
- Spend time ministering to the Father.
- Learn and apply biblical principles of prayer.
- Expect definite results, as seen with Elijah, Moses, Jesus, and the apostles.
- Be ready for greater manifestations of God’s glory as effective prayer becomes your lifestyle.
