June 18

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.”  —EPHESIANS 6:18

Christians would agree unanimously on the importance of prayer, but how many can say they are satisfied with their prayer life? Some find it the hardest struggle while others experience it as their deepest joy. 

Prayer is a means of intimacy with God, not just in the times we spend on our knees before bed, but in the constant sense of communion with God throughout our entire day. “Pray without ceasing,” Paul says, and that involves bringing the presence of God into everything in our daily lives. In his book, ‘Method in Prayer’, Graham Scroggie noted one of the biggest mistakes Christians can make is to imagine that increased social or spiritual activity can be any compensation for the lack of secret communion with God.  

Throughout the New Testament, the Christian life is defined primarily as a relationship.  In John 17:3, Jesus said, “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”  We cannot have a relationship with someone we don’t know, and we cannot personally come to know God without communication. Prayer is the means whereby God engages us, which allows Him to work in us and through us. If we limit, narrow or close the door to communion with Him, then we cannot expect that He will involve us in His plans or His thoughts.  

Prayer first brings us into relationship with God, opening a two-way street where God will respond to what we tell Him. He speaks to us in ways that are unique to each of us, and we learn to discern His voice as we live in an intimate relationship with Him. Prayer brings us into responsibility as we listen for God’s voice, and He lays on our hearts His will and direction for us. Prayer also brings us into results where we can claim victory in His name, which has no other explanation than God, Himself, at work in our lives.  

A prayerful life is a powerful life. With our focus on the eternal, the temporal falls into place, and when our eyes are on Jesus, the things of this earth grow dim in the light of His glory. Prayer takes us into the very heart of God where we are privileged to come to know Him far more richly. It is in constant communion with God we find our deepest joy.

PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, My prayer life is the heart and soul of my relationship with You. I ask that it grow deeper and stronger, and that You give me the wisdom to always discern your voice. Thank You, Lord.

TO REFLECT UPON: If I’m struggling with my prayer life, what can I do to turn it into my deepest joy?