The Gospel

Understanding Prayer

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks;
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

Estén siempre gozosos. Oren sin cesar. Den gracias en todo,
porque esta es la voluntad de Dios para ustedes en Cristo Jesús. – 1 Tesalonicenses 5:16–18

While God speaks to us through His Word, prayer is how we speak with our “heavenly Father” (Mat 5:48; 6:14, 26, 32; 15:13; 18:35; Luk 11:13). Prayer is the central element (the glue, if you will) that ties together the various aspects of the Christian life (Act 1:14; Eph 6:18; Php 1:4; 4:6; Col 4:2; 1Th 5:17; 1Ti 2:8). Following are some notes about prayer:

Jesus prayed often (Mat 26:36–42; Mar 1:35; 6:46; Luk 3:21; 5:16; 6:12; 11:1; 22:40–45). And if Jesus, who was and is fully God (Joh 3:34; 2Co 4:4; Col 1:15),[1] was devoted to prayer, how much more should we do likewise!
Prayer is something a Christian does constantly, all day and every day, in good times and bad, not just in times of duress (Act 1:14; Luk 18:1; Eph 6:18; Php 1:4; 4:6; Col 4:2; 1Th 5:17; 1Ti 2:8;Psa 55:17).[2]
We are to pray in simple, open, and honest communication with our “heavenly Father” just like a child does—“Abba! Father!” (Mar 14:36; Rom 8:15; Gal 4:6; cf. Mat 23:9).[3]
Just let God know your feelings, desires, needs, wishes, hurts, frustrations, thanks, gratitude, praise, or anything else on your mind (e.g., Psa 61:8; 142:1–7). Remember, “nothing is hidden” from God—not your “thoughts” and not even the deep, “dark,” “secret” things of the human “heart.” He even knows the “motives” behind our actions.[4]
While God sees and knows all things, we are still told to “let our requests be made known to God” (see Php 4:6; cf. Eph 6:18). We are doing so for our own benefit, not God’s.
There are no specific words you must use when praying. Jesus did, however, give us a model (template) prayer we can use as a starting point (Mat 6:9–13).[5], [6]
Approach God with due humility, honor, respect, reverence, awe, and a proper “fear of the Lord”[7] for who He is—“Holy, Holy, Holy,” the “Lord God of Hosts” (2Sa 5:10; Psa 59:5; 84:8; 89:8; cf. Isa 1:24), and “Maker of heaven and earth” (Psa 115:15; 1Co 10:26; Psa 24:1; Rev 4:11).[8]
Prayer is both a right and a privilege for a Christian. We may “confidently” (see Heb 4:16; 10:19–23; 13:6; Eph 2:18; 3:12; cf. Joh 4:10; 11:22; 16:23–24; Matt 7:7–11; Heb 7:25; 1Ti 2:5; Jas 1:5; Php 4:6–7; Rom 8:15–17) and “boldly” (Heb 4:16 KJV) come before God in prayer.[9] We are, in effect, coming right into His throne room (Mat 27:51; Mar 15:38; Luk 23:45; Heb 10:19–20), the equivalent today of the “Holy of Holies” (Heb 9:3; Exo 26:33–34; 2Ch 3:8–10; 4:22; 5:7). Astounding! Amazing! We would do well to remind ourselves of this each time we approach God in prayer.
There is no specific posture you must use when praying. You can pray while kneeling, prone, standing, sitting down, while waiting in a line at checkout, and so on. However, a posture that embraces humility before God is the most frequent example that we see in Scripture, showing prayer usually done while kneeling (Act 7:60; 9:40; 20:36; 21:5; Luk 22:41;Mat 17:14; Mar 1:40; Eph 3:14; Php 2:10; Rom 14:11; Psa 95:6) or prone[10] (Dan 9:18; 2Ch 20:18; Mar 5:33; Luk 5:8; 8:47; Rev 5:8; 19:4). Furthermore, if even Jesus humbled Himself before the Father (Luk 22:41; Mat 26:39), how much more should we do likewise! But also know this: God “searches the hearts” (see Rom 8:27; cf. Luk 16:15; Act 1:24; 15:8; Rom 2:16; 1Co 4:5; Heb 4:12–13; Rev 2:23; Pro 21:2; 24:12; Job 31:4; 34:21–22; Jer 17:10; 23:24; Ecc 12:14; 1Ch 28:9; Psa 44:21; 139:1–4), not the posture. Vain attempts to make one appear more pious before others are not valued by the Lord (Mat 6:1–6, 16–18).
We are instructed (and Jesus’ examples show us) to do the following:

Pray in private—in our “inner room”[11] (see Mat 6:1, 5–6) or “alone” (see Mat 14:23; Mar 1:35; 6:46; Luk 6:12; 9:18, 28; Joh 6:15).[12]
Pray in the early morning stillness, before the noise, clamor, and distractions of the world begin to take hold of us, or late at night when the noise of this world has died down again (Mat 21:17–19; Mar 1:35; Luk 6:12; cf. Psa 5:3; 59:16–17; 90:14; 119:147; 143:8; Lam 3:22–23). It is very easy for that noise, which can be deafening at times, to drown out the voice of the Lord.[13]
“Pray without ceasing”[14] (1Th 5:17; Luk 18:1; 21:36; Rom 12:12; Eph 6:18; Col 4:2; 1Pe 4:7; Php 4:6; Mat 21:22; cf. Psa 55:17).
Pray in good times and bad (Act 6:6; 9:11; 10:30; 11:5; 12:12; 16:25; 21:5; 22:17; Col 1:3; 4:3; 1Th 3:10; Jud 20).
“Let your words be few” (Ecc 5:2), and don’t use “meaningless repetition”[15] (Mat 6:7–8; Rom 8:26; Mat 23:14). Droning on endlessly in prayer doesn’t indicate that you are more pious or that you have a more devout prayer life; it just indicates that you are babbling! Do not underestimate the power of a brief and concise prayer; as it is written, “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” (Jas 5:16).[16]
Be respectfully persistent in “letting your requests be made known to God”[17] (see Php 4:6–7; 1Jn 5:15). This lesson is given to us in the parable of the unjust judge (Luk 18:1–8).[18] Keep praying even when times are tough, your prayers don’t seem to be answered, and so on—always keeping the faith and trusting in the Lord! Wayne Jackson writes:[19] “We must not become discouraged when our prayers are not immediately answered as we desired, rather, we must keep on praying according to His will (Joh 15:7; 1Jn 5:14).”[20]
We are to pray to God[21]—not to Mary, the dead (Heb 9:27),[22] the saints, and so on. Prayer is a form of worship, and worship is reserved for God alone (Rev 19:10; 22:9; Exo 20:1–4; Rev 9:20).[23]
It’s okay to remind God of His Word and His promises by using Scripture in your prayers. Indeed, it can be good and profitable to do so. Moses (Exo 32:9–14; 33:15–18) and King David did this (Psa 25:2–4, 6–11, 19; 27:4; 51:1–19; 2Sa 7:18–29;), and I’ve found that doing so helps me—for it is not God who needs to be reminded of His Word but us.[24]

Here are some things you can pray for or about:

For “a clean heart” (Psa 51:10).
To “let your requests be made known to God” (Php 4:6; cf. Mat 7:7; Luk 11:9; Joh 15:7; 16:23–24; Psa 5:1–3; 107:6; 119:147; Jon 2:1–3).
To receive “the peace of God” (Php 4:6–7; Joh 14:27; 2Th 3:16; 1Pe 5:6–7; Rom 8:6).[25]
To wage spiritual warfare (Eph 6:18–19).[26]
For yourself (Mat 26:41; Mar 14:38; Luk 21:36; 22:40, 46; Joh 14:13; 15:7; Jas 1:5; Eph 6:18; Col 4:2; Php 4:6–7).
For others—there are many examples of Jesus, the apostles, and the early Church (fervently) praying and making petition for others (Act 12:5; Eph 6:18; Rom 1:8–10; 10:1; Col 1:9; 4:2–4; Jas 5:16; 1Ti 2:1; 2Co 1:10–11; 1Th 1:2–3; 3Jn 2; cf. Joh 17:1–26).[27]
To express our feelings, hurts, frustration, or even anger (very respectfully so; Rom 1:10; Php 4:6; Heb 5:7).[28]
To “confess our sins” (see 1Jn 1:8–10; cf. 1Jn 2:1, 28; 3:6, 9; Jas 5:16; Heb 4:16; 7:25).[29]
To ask God for “wisdom” and “guidance” (Jas 1:5–8; cf. Jas 4:3; Psa 23:3–4; 119:34).
To offer our “praise,” “gratitude,” and “thanksgiving” to God.[30]
To ask for God’s will to be done (Mat 6:10; 26:42).
For the kingdom of God to grow and advance (Mat 6:10).
For others to know the Lord, for your brothers and sisters in Christ facing trials, and for those in need (Eph 6:18; Rom 10:1; Col 1:9; 4:2–4; Jas 5:16; 1Ti 2:1; 2Co 1:10–11; 1Th 1:2–3; cf. Php 2:3–4).[31]
For leaders and those in positions of authority (1Ti 2:1–2).
So you don’t “enter [fall] into temptation” (Mat 26:41; Mar 14:38; Luk 22:40, 46).
For your enemies and those who persecute and mistreat you (Mat 5:38–46; Luk 6:27–28; Luk 23:34; cf. Act 7:60; Rom 12:14, 17–21; 1Co 4:12–13; 13:4–5; 1Pe 2:23; 3:9; Pro 25:21–22).

EXAMPLES IN SCRIPTURE

We can learn from the many examples of prayer in Scripture. These come to mind:

Moses (Exo 32:9–14; 33:15–18),
Daniel (Dan 2:19–23; 9:3–19),
David (Psa 4; 17; 51; 55; 61; 86; 142; 143;),
Paul (Rom 1:8–10; 15:5–6, 13; 1Th 1:2–3; 3:9–11; 5:23–24, 28; 2Th 2:16; 3:16, 18; Col 1:3, 9–12; Php 1:3–5, 9–11; 4:23; Eph 1:3–4, 15–16; 1Co 1:4–7; 2Co 1:3–4; 13:7, 14; 2Ti 1:3; 4:22), and of course,
Jesus (Mat 26:36–42; Luk 10:21–22; 23:34, 46; Joh 11:41–42; 12:28; 17:1–26).

ASK IN MY NAME

We see it written, “Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it” (Joh 14:13–14; cf. Joh 16:23–24). First, let’s get the obvious out of the way: These verses do not indicate that you will get whatever (“anything”) you ask for.[32] There is a whole plethora of other Scripture that must be brought to bear on this topic (Psa 119:160), which, at a minimum, includes the following qualifications and considerations:

Are you asking in full faith and trust (Joh 14:10–12; Mar 11:24; Jas 1:6–8)?
Are you “abiding in” Christ in active obedience (see 1Jn 2:3–6)?[33]
Is your request according to God’s will (Luk 22:42)?
Is it to glorify God (Joh 14:13–14) or glorify self (Joh 3:30; 1Co 6:20)?
Is it according to Christ’s name—His holy nature, character, and so on (1Pe 1:16; Rev 4:8)?[34]
Is it for the right motives (Jas 4:3)?
Is it in your (eternal) best interest (Mat 6:8; Luk 11:11)?
Is it in the best interest of other Christians (collectively) as well (Rom 8:28–39; cf. Php 1:12–14; Mat 10:29–31; 1Pe 3:12; Gen 45:5; 50:20; 2Ch 16:9; Psa 34:15; 145:18; Pro 5:21; 15:3)?

Furthermore, while adding “in Jesus’ name” (see Joh 14:13; 16:26) at the end of a prayer can be used to express (and remind us) that we are approaching our “heavenly Father” through His Son, Jesus,[35] and that we are calling on the “authority” of Christ (Mat 28:18), they are not required. In fact, those who habitually and without thinking tack on those three words at the end of every prayer as if they are some magical mantra to ensure that God will pay special attention to their request and grant it are showing a superficial understanding of Christ’s instructions in this area. To help break any unconscious habits you may have, I suggest that you mix in some other prayer endings at times, such as:

Through Jesus I/we pray.
Through Christ as mediator I/we pray.
By the blood of Christ I/we pray.
It is through Jesus alone I/we approach the throne.
I/we pray everything through Your Son, Jesus.
I/we pray all these things in Jesus’ name.
In Jesus’ most holy name, I/we pray.
It is by the grace of Christ I/we pray.
Or simply, Amen.

Wayne Jackson writes on John 14:13–14:[36]

Christ sought to instill confidence in the power of prayer. If they asked in his name, i.e., in harmony with what he authorizes, he would respond (v. 13). Note that Jesus promised to answer their prayers. Who can answer prayer but deity? God will be glorified in his Son. “Whatsoever” and “anything” are qualified by additional Bible information; the presumption is that the prayers will be in harmony with his will and in the best spiritual interest of the petitioner (cf. 2 Cor. 12:8–9). Many manuscripts have Jesus saying: “If you ask me anything” (v. 14 ASVfn, ESV). This appears to be clear precedent for petitioning Christ in prayer.

HE HEARS OUR PRAYERS

I want to add another note on this subject, since prayer is a vital aspect of “putting on the full armor of God” (Eph 6:10–20).[37] Know that God “hears” your prayers. This is not presumption on our part, for Scripture assures us of this (see Joh 9:31; 1Jn 5:14–15; Pro 15:29; cf. Heb 4:16; 7:25; 1Jn 3:21; Mar 11:24–25; Eph 3:12; Heb 10:35; Psa 17:6; 65:2; Jas 4:3).[38]^,[39] He also knows what you need (Mat 6:8, 32; Luk 12:30; cf. Mat 7:10; Luk 11:11), but understand that what you need is not always the same as what you want. Also, realize that He says, “‘My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts’” (Isa 55:8–9; cf. Pro 3:5–7; Rom 11:33; 1Co 2:14, 16a). We may not understand why God does certain things in certain ways at certain times, why He grants some prayers and not others or why some prayers are answered quickly while others unfold over the years, but He knows the big picture. Nothing surprises Him or catches Him off guard (2Ch 16:9; 1Pe 3:12; Psa 34:15; Pro 5:21; 15:3; cf. Joh 2:24–25), and there is nothing He cannot handle. We must “trust in the Lord” completely, in all things and at all times.[40]

I want to mention another aspect of this that maybe you haven’t considered. Have you ever prayed to the Lord and asked Him not to give you something? There are some things that, if we actually got them, might cause us to stumble and fall and “come short of” eternal life (Heb 4:1). It’s human nature to focus on what we don’t have and what we want, but God knows what is best for us. This may also be why some prayers are not answered, as God knows it’s not in our best interest (Isa 55:9). Furthermore, our prayers may also not be in the interests of other Christians (collectively; Rom. 8:28–29) or in God’s will.

CLOSING THOUGHT

Is it a chore to make time to pray with your “heavenly Father,” or do you relish the time that you can spend with God? Would you rather watch TV or this weekend’s football game than spend time with the Lord in prayer? When was the last time you got down on your knees three times in a single day as the beloved saint Daniel did? And he did it every day without fail, even when it placed his life in danger! Answering those questions goes a long way toward revealing where our heart, passion, and priorities lie—are they focused on the things “of this world” (see Joh 8:23; 12:25, 31; 13:1; 15:19; 16:11; 17:14–16; 18:36; 1Co 3:19; 5:10; 7:31; 2Co 4:4; Eph 2:2; 1Jn 2:15–17; cf. Mat 6:19–21, 24; 13:22; 16:24–26; 19:16–24; Mar 4:18–19; 8:34; Luk 8:4–8; 9:23; 14:26–27; Rom 12:2; Col 3:1–2; Php 3:19–20; 1Ti 6:9–10; 2Ti 4:10; Gen 19:26) or on “the things above” and of God (Col 3:1–2)? The early Church was also devoted to fervent prayer (Act 12:5); we can learn much from their priorities and actions. I’m not saying recreation time isn’t important; it’s the priority we place on it and the overwhelming amount of time devoted to it versus time with God that can be of concern.

[1] See also the chapter “Is Jesus Really God?”

[2] In other words, “foxhole prayers,” where we only call on God because we are in extreme danger.

[3] A side note is warranted here: We are not to call any man on earth our father, in contrast to the false teachings of churches and institutions that do just that (Mat 23:9). See the chapter “Beware the Wolves.”

[4] See the chapter “The Day of Judgment” for verse references.

[5] These verses are often called the “Lord’s Prayer,” but in actuality, it’s not the Lord’s Prayer; it is a prayer given to us. See John 17 for the actual Lord’s Prayer. Noting how the prayer is constructed is helpful: (1) Addressed to the Father; (2) Approaching God with humility and respect; (3) Acknowledging God for who He is; (4) Asking for His will to be done instead of ours; (5) Requesting that we have the right (clean) heart; (6) Petitioning that we stay on the narrow path; and (7) Acknowledging His ultimate authority and power.

[6] These verses are a sample prayer, a template if you will, that gives us the structure for a proper prayer. They are not some magical incantation in and of themselves that we are to just recite without thinking. At the time this prayer was given to the disciples, Christ’s kingdom had not yet come in power and glory (which happened at Pentecost), and Jesus had not yet ascended to the Father; hence, they were to pray for His kingdom to come. Today, we are already in Christ’s kingdom, so we aren’t to still blindly pray/repeat, “Your kingdom come.” Christ is right now, this very instant, “seated at the right hand of God” the Father, ruling and reigning over His Kingdom (see the Dispensational Premillennialism false teaching). It is, of course, still good and profitable to pray for God’s eternal, heavenly Kingdom of Glory to be fully established and realized, which will happen on the great Day of Judgment; the same words “Your kingdom come” can apply to this if your intent is clear. See the chapter “The Kingdom of God.”

[7] See the chapter “Come, All Who are Thirsty” for verse references.

[8] See the chapter “Holy, Holy, Holy.”

[9] But also, as mentioned prior, with the utmost respect!

[10] Face down to the ground; prostrate.

[11] A place of quiet, away from the staggering noise of this world.

[12] We are not to pray (or act) for public piety (Mat 6:3–5, 16–18).

[13] I confess I’m often in a rush to get started with the day that I had planned for myself (which may not be the day that the Lord had planned for me), and it’s a challenge to stop and make time for the Lord. I’ve gotten better at this over time, but it’s a constant struggle for me to slow down in the morning and do this properly.

[14] That is, constantly, at all times, in all things.

[15] That is, babbling, repetitive chanting, saying “Hail Marys”, and so on.

[16] Side note: A society can fall so far from the Lord that repentance (at large) is no longer possible, even if one of the giants of the faith were praying for them (Eze 14:12–23; cf. Gen 6:1–7; 18:1–19:29).

[17] “Prayers,” “petitions,” “supplications” (see Mat 6:7; Luk 1:13; Eph 6:18; 1Ti 2:1; Heb 5:7; Rev 5:8; 8:3–4; etc.).

[18] My dogs also seem to understand this principle of persistence, for they know if they keep sitting there begging and looking all cute, I’ll eventually break down and give them a few morsels! ☺

[19] Wayne Jackson, The Parables in Profile (Stockton, CA: Wayne Jackson, 1978), 57.

[20] Notice that Jesus prayed with persistence three times for the cup to pass from Him, yet according to the Father’s will (Mat 26:36–46; Mar 14:32–42; Luk 22:42–44).

[21] See also Wayne Jackson, “May a Christian Address Christ in Praise or Prayer?” Christian Courier, https://christiancourier.com/articles/may-a-christian-address-christ-in-praise-or-prayer.

[22] See the chapter “The Day of Judgment”—but in essence, the fate of the dead has already been sealed by their own choices, words, and deeds; there is nothing whatsoever we can do to alter their eternal destiny. You can only help others by preaching the Gospel to them while they are alive (see the chapter “Go and Tell Others”).

See also Wayne Jackson, “Did Paul Pray for the Dead?” Christian Courier, https://christiancourier.com/articles/did-paul-pray-for-the-dead.

[23] The citations here could go on for many verses about idols, idolatry, and worship of created things instead of the Creator; I won’t list them all here, as you can easily find them by doing a Bible search.

[24] For example, Father, create in me a clean heart so I can love You and serve others as You have instructed (using words from Psa 51:10). What you are doing when you use God’s Word in your prayers is showing God that you have read and understood His Word and that you believe it to be true. Of course, He doesn’t need this (for He searches the heart), as He already knows everything, but it is you who need it, for what you are actually doing is reminding yourself of His Word.

[25] Prayer and peace are closely linked; see the chapter “The Peace of God.”

[26] See the chapter “The Armor of God.”

[27] Brother or sister in Christ, have you prayed for someone else today? It’s wise to note how the Lord “restored the fortunes of Job” (Job 42:10) after he prayed for others.

[28] See the examples of King David in the Psalms (e.g., Psa 51). Note that King David prayed often in times of distress, and Daniel prayed consistently, even when doing so placed his life in jeopardy.

[29] That is, confess any new sins you have committed. As you have already read, the life of a Christian is one of continued repentance. See the chapters “The Nature of Salvation” and “Changing Your Worldly Habits.”

[30] See “A Christian Is Always Thankful” in the chapter “Living in the Spirit” for verse references.

[31] We are commanded to do more than just pray for those in need—we are to actually help them (Jas 2:15–16; cf. Luk 3:11; 6:29–31, 38; Mat 5:42; 6:2–3; Php 2:4; Act 2:45; 4:34–35; 20:34–35; Heb 13:16; 1Jn 3:17; 1Ti 6:17–18; 2Co 8:14–15; 9:6–7; Rom 12:8, 13; Pro 3:27; 19:17; 22:9; 28:27).

[32] He has not promised you wealth and prosperity, nor toys for the rich and famous.

[33] See the chapter “Living in the Spirit.”

[34] In olden days, someone’s name was closely identified with their character.

[35] Our “mediator” (see 1Ti 2:5; Heb 8:6; 9:15; 12:24; cf. Heb 7:25) and “Advocate” (1Jn 2:1).

[36] Wayne Jackson, A New Testament Commentary (Jackson, TN: Christian Courier Publications, 2019), 182.

[37] See the chapter “The Armor of God.”

[38] Our prayers are symbolized as “incense” rising up before the Lord (Rev 5:8; 8:3–4; cf. Psa 141:1–2).

[39] Even further, God sees and hears everything that happens to every Christian (1Pe 3:12; 2Ch 16:9; Psa 34:15; Pro 5:21; 15:3; cf. Rom 8:28–30).

[40] See the sections “Our God is a BIG God” and “Trust in the Lord” in the chapter “The Peace of God.”

R. John Anderson

Photographer and author R. John Anderson has journeyed the world over to capture the natural beauty of God’s creation. Having traveled to many countries and continents in a span of over thirty years, he has seen the amazing artistry that can be found in all types of locations, from the glacial fjords of polar Greenland to the wild Serengeti plains in Tanzania to the rich rain forests of Costa Rica. Nature’s greatest natural beauty often lies in the harshest deserts, remotest wilderness, and sub-zero ice-covered regions.