Do you struggle with prayer? There are multiple reasons why some people struggle such as: “I don’t have time,” “I don’t know what to pray,” I can’t focus,” or “I am too overwhelmed with guilt.” Whatever the obstacle may be, there are ways to overcome it. So, if you or someone you know are in this situation, take heart. The Bible is the greatest help when a person is in ‘prayer-struggle’ mode. So, before you delete prayer all together, let’s see what we can learn. Take yourself or the person you know back to the basics.
What is prayer? Prayer is God’s invitation to us to enter His presence to receive those things that only He can give; our lifeline to our Creator; a unique privilege and yet, something that is the most important thing we need to do while on earth.
Prayer comes in different forms like supplication (humbly pleading), giving thanks, worship and praise, confession, petition (asking for what we need), and intercession (praying on behalf of another person) – especially if he/she is struggling with prayer.
Remember – a simple one-sentence prayer from a humble heart is just as important to God as an eloquent prayer from a seasoned pastor. The power of prayer is not in the one who prays, but in the One who listens.
To add a personal dimension, click on Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4:9 for a snapshot of a seemingly unimportant person with a simple prayer. He says to the God of Israel, “Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my territory. Let Your hand be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain.”
That’s it. All we know about Jabez is wrapped up in one short paragraph in the Bible. But, the paragraph ends with, “And God granted him his request!”
Why is that paragraph in the Bible? Is it not for our instruction, our encouragement, our glimpse into a relationship with an honorable man and his God? What do we learn about prayer through Jabez?
First of all, Jabez approached God with a humble heart acknowledging that God was all powerful. Secondly, he brought his petition to God asking that He bless him (as a part of God’s covenant people) and enlarge his territory (he had no earthly inheritance). Thirdly, he asked in faith believing the true God of Israel was the only One who could grant him his desires.
Jesus says a very important thing about prayer in John 15:7-8. “If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” So, what does that mean? When we abide in Jesus and pray, the Father is glorified. When His words abide in us, that prevents us from asking for something outside of God’s will.
Praying the Scriptures is amazing. Select a verse that pertains to your situation and instead of just reading the verse, rephase it into a prayer. God starts the conversation when we pray His word back to Him, and our otherwise monologue suddenly becomes a dialogue.
So, be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Prayer does not have to be a struggle, but if it is, take it to the Lord in prayer. Talk with Him. Practice praying Scripture.
“Prayer does not fit us for the greater works; prayer is the greater work.” Oswald Chambers
Prayer based on Psalm 62:5-8 “Lord God of all creation, You are my salvation and my glory – the Rock of my salvation and my refuge. Help me to trust in You at all times. Strengthen me as I pour out my heart before You for you, O God, are a refuge for me. Grant that I might cast all my cares upon You, for You care for me. I ask these things in Jesus’ holy and matchless name.”