Prayer: How important is it?

I mailed this letter to many of my friends. The cost was great so, many others of you did not receive the letter. We live in troubled times and prayer should always be imperative in our lives. I have looked at the subject of prayer for some time because many of my friends have asked for prayer during their times of trouble. So, allow me to refresh our thinking about the importance of prayer.

The lesson of the Old Testament tells us that our God is a God Who hears and answers prayer. That makes our personal responsibility in prayer more crucial and consequential if we claim to have fellowship with God. " Prayer-hearing" is one of His attributes as a part of His nature. Therefore, praying should be an attribute of the child of God. God inspired the Psalmist to call Him…
"Thou that hearest prayer" (Psalm 65:2).

He selected that title for Himself and delights to be called the God Who hears and answers prayer. We find in that same Psalm (verses 9-13) that God wants to provide all of man’s needs. The Psalmist goes on to say…

"Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it. Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou blessest the springing thereof. Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness. They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side. The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing."

The Psalmist seems to say that the God that loves to answer man’s prayers has anticipated so many of his needs. God has watered the ground that was dry and has given to the hungry flocks the pasture and has covered the valleys with corn for man and beast and these pastures and valleys shout and sing of the benevolence of a loving and merciful God. The theme of Psalm 104 is God’s care for the cattle of the earth and for mankind through nature.

"He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man; that he may bring forth food out of the earth; and wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man’s heart" (Psalm 104:14,15).

And he continues…

"The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies" (verse 18).

And he continues…

"The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God" (verse 21).

And then of the beasts of the sea we are told that…

"These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season. That thou givest them, they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good (verses 27,28).

This Psalmist recognizes that the God that made the animals makes food for them also. The God that made the plants causes the rain to fall for them and the sun to shine upon them. The God that made honeybees, made flowers for them. For every living thing there is a place, food, protection and provision from the hand of an infinite God. The question comes again, if we pray, for what should we pray? And do not these things show that where there is want, need and desire, God wants to fill it? Where there is hunger, God wants to satisfy it. Is His nature to do it before we pray?

Biology teaches us that an all-providing care begins as soon as a child is born. Before the baby is born God prepares the mother’s breasts and then a few hours after childbirth the mother’s breasts begin to prepare milk. The instinctive seeking of the little puckering lips for food is satisfied in the mother’s arms and over the mother’s heart.

Medicine teaches us that God has provided in nature every kind of food to balance the diet and supply the needs of man. Insulin is in supply for the diabetic person. There is no need of the human body but that God has provided it. It only awaits the discovery and applying of mankind.

History tell us that as soon as there begins some shortage of wood on earth, man discovers that the bowels of the earth are full of coal that God has laid by for man’s use. By the time man has invented an internal combustion engine (the ordinary gas or gasoline engine) it is discovered that infinite lakes of petroleum have been stored up for man’s need. When man needed iron for tools, he discovered it was already provided and then learned that God had provided alloys to make the hardest steel. And now that man longs for a lighter metal, rust-proof, it is discovered that there are giant stores of bauxite, the ore from which aluminum is made. The earth proves that God answers the needs of man already. The question arises again, should we pray?

Science tells us that the whole earth shows it was deliberately planned by infinite wisdom, just to fit man’s needs. Suppose that the diameter of the earth had been 10,000 miles instead of 8,000 miles. Then the mass would have been almost doubled and gravity would have been about twice as great. A man who now weighs 170 pounds, of exactly the same size and with the same muscles, would weigh 332 pounds. His muscles would not be strong enough to lift himself. His stomach would not be big enough to hold enough food to provide strength. Life would be intolerable or impossible. Or if the diameter of the earth were only 6,000 miles instead of 8,000, only 2,000 miles less, the gravity would be so much less that air would be much lighter and rarer. Instead of weighing 14.7 pounds to the square inch, the air pressure (and density) would be only 6.2 pounds. But men cannot live without an oxygen tank where the air is less than 7.3 pounds to the square inch. Life would be impossible on this earth if it had not been tailored exactly to fit man’s needs. God made it just the right size. Or if three-fourths of the earth’s surface were covered by land instead of by water as now, then the earth would be simply a giant desert, with fringes of vegetation around the seas; and the variation of temperatures would be so great it would be impossible for mankind to live. Or if God had made the surrounding atmosphere with another element instead of oxygen, neither animal nor man could breathe. And if the water were not made of oxygen and hydrogen, there would be no living thing in seas and lakes and rivers. Do not these things suggest that God is a God Who in His very nature longs to provide what mankind needs? Then, do we need to pray to such a loving and caring God?

Nature does not tell of Calvary and redemption but it does point to an infinitely merciful, benevolent, loving God, Whose heart is open to mankind. He Who clothes the lilies of the field and notes the fall of the sparrow is the God Who hears and answers prayers of those who diligently seek Him and who trust Him. James says,

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning" (James 1:17).

God never varies, in any age, nor with any people, from His constant watchfulness to give what men need, what their hearts cry out for, what will make them happy and good. And does not that mean that by very nature God is predisposed to hear the cry of men and is lovingly concerned about whatever want or desire or need is felt by any contrite heart who seeks God’s face.

Then if He is a God that hears and answers prayer, let us pray. Prayer, then, becomes the most compelling Christian duty. Being a singer, God never commanded me to sing without ceasing. Being a preacher for over 50 years, God never commanded me to preach without ceasing, nor give without ceasing, nor work without ceasing. However, He did say,

"Pray without ceasing" (1st Thess. 5:17).

The apostles after Pentecost demanded the selection of deacons that the apostles might give themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word (Acts 6:4). Not first the preaching, but first that they should give themselves to prayer.

When Solomon built the temple at Jerusalem and dedicated it to God, God did not say He would be listening for the songs of the antiphonal choirs, nor watching for the smoke of the altars where many sacrifices should be offered; but God said,

"Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attend unto the prayer that is made in this place" (2nd Chron. 7:15).

Then In Isaiah 56:7 God said,

"For mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people."

And Jesus quoted this scripture as recorded in Matthew, Mark and Luke because the temple was primarily a house of prayer for all people. Back of all the preaching, praying, prophesying, singing, religious observances, God intended there should be a living faith in a God Who hears and answers prayer and thus that men should call upon the name of the Lord. There is no pleasing of God without prayer. God is the God Who hears prayer. Hebrews 11:6 says,

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him."

So, the answer to whether or not we should pray is found in the idea that prayer is simply talking to our Father about things, people, His will and thanking Him for His goodness and love. Prayer is not a time of asking the Father to do what He has already done or what He promises to do for His children. We don’t need to ask Him to bless us when Ephesians says that He has already blessed us with all spiritual blessings (Eph. 1:3). We don’t need to ask Him to help us for we understand that all things work together for good to those who love Him (Rom. 8:28). We don’t need to ask Him to supply our need for He is constantly supplying because of His care for His children.

Money is a world-wide problem and God’s word says that "the love of money is the root of all evil" (1st Timothy 6:10). However, covetousness is a most respectable sin of sins and is found in the best of families. God hates that sin and Paul calls it idolatry (Col. 3:5). In Ephesians 5:5 Paul says that a covetous man is an idolater. Asking God for money to make our lives more exciting and comfortable would be off base in prayer to a caring God.

Peter tells his audience that the fellowship of husband and wife in the home is so important that a broken fellowship could hinder prayer reaching the ear of God (1st Peter 3:1-7). Unresolved debts, unforgiving attitudes and unsettled arguments are the reasons for unanswered prayer. So, with a contrite heart, full of faith, willing to resolve all problems, let us come to God in prayer… for He cares.

The key problem with the way many of us pray today is that we focus our prayers on ourselves instead of on God. The purpose of prayer is not to get healed, get a job, get our house sold, or get whatever else we want and feel is the greater need at the time. It is to get "the life of God in us." Prayer nourishes the life of God. The life of God is the most powerful property of the believer’s possessions. Our Lord nourished the life of God in Him by prayer; He was continually in contact with His Father. We generally look upon prayer as a means of getting things for ourselves, whereas the biblical idea of prayer is that God’s holiness, purpose and wise order may be brought about through us.

May the God of Grace and Benevolence bring us into conversation with Him Who is the God that answers prayer.

An Irish prayer

May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.

Childrens prayers

Children's Prayers

A mother was teaching her 3-year-old the Lord's prayer. For several evenings at bedtime she repeated it after her mother. One night she said she was ready to solo. The mother listened with pride as she carefully enunciated each word, right up to the end of the prayer. "Lead us not into temptation," she prayed, "but deliver us some e-mail, Amen."

A woman invited some people over for dinner. At the table she turned to her six-year-old daughter and said, "Would you like to say the blessing?" The girl replied, "I wouldn't know what to say." "Just say what you heard Mommy say," the mother answered. The daughter bowed her head and said, "Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner?

A 5 year old boy was sitting down to eat when his mother asked him to pray for his meal. He replied, "Mom we don't have to. We prayed over this last night." His mother had prepared leftovers from the day before.

A 4-year-old boy who was asked to return thanks before Christmas dinner. The family members bowed their heads in expectation. He began his prayer, thanking God for all his friends, naming them one by one. Then he thanked God for Mommy, Daddy, brother, sister, Grandma, Grandpa, and all his aunts and uncles. Then he began to thank God for the food. He gave thanks for the turkey, the dressing, the fruit salad, the cranberry sauce, the pies, the cakes, even the Cool Whip. Then he paused, and everyone waited--and waited. After a long silence, the young fellow looked up at his mother and asked, "If I thank God for the broccoli, won't he know that I'm lying?"

A daddy was listening to his child say his prayer "Dear Harold," At this, dad interrupted and said, "Wait a minute, "How come you called God, Harold? The little boy looked up and said, "That's what they call Him in church. You know the prayer we say, "Our Father, who art in Heaven, Harold be Thy name."

One night Mike's parents overheard this prayer. "Now I lay me down to rest, and hope to pass tomorrow's test, if I should die before I wake, that's one less test I have to take."

A five-year-old said grace at family dinner one night. "Dear God, thank you for these pancakes." When he concluded, his parents asked him why he thanked God for pancakes when they were having chicken. He smiled and said, "I thought I'd see if He was paying attention tonight."

A little boy's prayer: "Dear God, please take care of my daddy and my mommy and my sister and my brother and my doggy and me. Oh, please take care of yourself, God. If anything happens to you, we're gonna be in a big mess."

Johnny had been misbehaving and was sent to his room. After a while he emerged and informed his mother that he had thought it over and then said a prayer. "Fine," said the pleased mother. "If you ask God to help you not misbehave, He will help you." "Oh, I didn't ask Him to help me not misbehave," said Johnny. I asked Him to help you put up with me."

A little boy was overheard praying: "Lord, if You can't make me a better boy, don't worry about it. I'm having a real good time like I am!"

A little boy was saying his bedtime prayers with his mother: "Lord, bless Mommy and Daddy, and God, GIVE ME A NEW BICYCLE!!!" Mom: "God's not deaf, son." Boy: "I know, Mom, but Grandma's in the next room, and she's hard of hearing!

Little Johnny was softly saying his night prayers kneeling down, and his mother was beside him. "Say your prayers louder, darling, I can't hear you," Said Little Johnny's mother. "But I'm not talking to you" was the instant reply.

One Sunday in a Midwest city a young child was "acting up" during the morning worship hour. The parents did their best to maintain some sense of order in the pew but were losing the battle. Finally the father picked the little fellow up and walked sternly up the aisle on his way out. Just before reaching the safety of the foyer the little one called loudly to the congregation, "Pray for me! Pray for me!"

And this particular four-year-old prayed: "And forgive us our trash baskets as we forgive those who put trash in our baskets."

Christmas meditation

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The world is like an INN; the world-to-come, like Home!A CHRISTMAS MEDITATION
WHO was this who was born on that far-off CHRISTmas Day? What manner of CHILD was this whose first bed was a rude, dusty manger? Did anyone know?

Yes! Miryam (Mary) knew. Scarcely more than a child though she was, her soul was exalted beyond our imagining as she listened to the announcement of the angel, "That HOLY CHILD which shall be born of you shall be called the SON OF GOD!"

Joseph also knew, direct from an angel. The wise men knew. . . drawn from the far corners of the earth as by a magnet. The angels knew, and all the wide golden streets of heaven were crowded with them, their faces shining with joy, and their chorus of rejoicing rising again and again, "Glory to GOD in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!" Even the living stars knew. And, one of their number was appointed to hang in luminous beauty over the spot where the YOUNG CHILD lay.

The world, the one most concerned, the world - - then as now before HIS second coming, went blindly on its way. But, thanks to ETERNAL GOD, you and I not only know, but incredible wonder of wonders, we have a personal relationship with that PERFECT ONE WHO left HIS ivory palaces and the glory which HE had with ALMIGHTY GOD before the earth was, and walked here awhile in humiliation.

We know that ALMIGHTY GOD HIMSELF spoke from heaven saying, "This is MY BELOVED SON, in WHOM I am well pleased!" SON OF GOD, KING of kings and LORD of lords! The GREAT DESIGNER and CREATOR of the Universe, for without HIM was nothing made that was made. Our GREAT HIGH PRIEST, ever living to make intercession for us. SIN-BEARER, and yet future JUDGE, for all judgment is committed unto the BELOVED ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON; the CAPTAIN of our salvation, the AUTHOR & FINISHER of our faith, the BRIGHT & MORNING STAR, the RESURRECTION & LIFE!

As instructed, Miryam (Mary) called HIM, "Y’SHUA (SAVIOUR..."for besides Me, there is no Saviour, says Yehowah" – Isaiah 43.11)" – HIS NAME is also called: "WONDERFUL (PELE: secret, mysterious, a marvel, extraordinary, a wonder, a hard to understand thing), COUNSELOR (YAH'ATS), MIGHTY GOD (GIBOWR'EL), EVERLASTING FATHER (AD AB), PRINCE OF PEACE (SAR SHALOWM)." [Isaiah/Yeshayah 9. 6]

"NO ROOM FOR HIM AT THE INN!" Could any inn contain the LORD OF GLORY? The wonder is that the walls of that small stable did not part and stretch far, far away to the ends of the universe in a vain effort to make a dwelling place vast enough to house INFINITY!

Yet this same sinless, INCOMPARABLE, UNSURPASSED ONE suffered indescribable tortures because of HIS great love for you and me! For long dreadful hours the LORD JESUS hung upon the cross, bearing the guilt and shame of my sins and the sins of all the world. HE conquered death and hell for me. . . HE walks the earth with me. . . HE has given heaven to me!

It is too much, I cannot grasp such amazing depths of love. I can only remove the shoes from off my feet and bow in silent adoration at the door of that little stable in Bethlehem and worship my SAVIOUR and my GOD, MESSIAH YESHUA, my LORD & KING!



Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel !
As we bid farewell to Shabbat, may our lips ever declare praises the LORD JESUS our KING, HELPER, SAVIOUR & SHIELD for HIS loving kindness is mighty over us.
Have a Joyous & Peace-filled CHRISTmas! – May the LIVING ETERNAL GOD, blessed be HE, hold you close, may HE hold you ever so close in the palm of HIS mighty hand and watch over you. Have a great week remembering the HOLY ONE WHOM we celebrate and adore every SeaSON!

prayer for pets

Prayer for Pets

Dear Lord there has to be a place that you have set aside
For all your precious animals to go to when they've died.
You know how much I love them, Lord,
And when they pass away,
My heart just breaks as I pray that I
Will see them again some day.
Dear Lord there has to be a place for animals to go
Where they can have eternal life
For you love them too, I know.
Our pets are such a blessing, Lord,
And they know no sin,
So I can't imagine Heaven
Not letting them come in
To a place where they can run and play
And fences are obsolete;
Where they can sit beside the throne
Or lay at Jesus' feet.
When I get to Heaven, Lord, I pray that I will see
Every pet that I have loved
Come running up to me,
The way they did when they were here
So full of life and love,
Then we'll live with you in Heaven
In our new home above.

Origen on Prayer

by Origen [c.185 - c.254]

Again I believe the words of the prayer of the saints to be full of power above all when praying 'with the spirit,' they pray 'also with the understanding,' which is like a light rising from the suppliant's mind and proceeding from his lips to gradually weaken by the power of God the mental venom injected by the adverse powers into the intellect of such as neglect prayer and fail to keep that saying of Paul's in accordance with the exhortations of Jesus, 'Pray without ceasing.' ... For the saying 'pray without ceasing' can only be accepted by us as a possibility if we may speak of the whole life of a saint as one great continuous prayer.
— from Chapter VII

What is prayer?

What is prayer? Is it asking God to give us our daily bread, or is it fellowship with God? Is the aim to get health and happiness from God or to grow into conformance with his will? Is it a public, vocal practice, normally done in a worship service, or a private, internal matter? Or both? Classic writings on prayer can be very illuminating on what people have thought about prayer and how they have practiced it over the centuries, and perhaps it can shed light on limitations of thinking and practice in our era. For the next few months, I hope to highlight certain classic writings on prayer.

The first classic is On Prayer by Tertullian (155-222 A.D.), who has been called the "great founder of Latin Christianity." For Tertullian, prayer replaced temple sacrifice. It was essentially spoken petitions. Individual petitions could be added to the Lord's Prayer; the more diligent also added Psalms. Prayers were apparently normally to be said standing, with hands raised, though for modesty not too loftily elevated, nor the sound of the voice too loud. Those praying should kneel or prostrate themselves, at the least in the first prayer of the day. Women were to dress modestly and have a covered (veiled) head. And no prayer was complete if divorced from the kiss of peace, "which is the seal of prayer." No particular daily hours for prayer have been prescribed, according to Tertullian, though he says that the third, sixth, and ninth seem in scripture to be more solemn than the rest.

For Tertullian, prayer is essentially a worship service or liturgy. There is no mention of prayer as private, continuous, a means of fellowship with God or sanctification, or the like. (Future classic writings will vary greatly on this view.) I wonder if there was a notion of a "private devotional life" in the early church?

For those who are interested in reading and discussing the classics on prayer that I highlight, we have set up a discussion thread.