The Invitation To Pray
What Prayer Is & Is not
Luke 6:12 ESV shows us that Jesus had a practice of prayer alone with God. While it may seem odd for the Son of God to be spending time in prayer, it actually communicates more about what prayer is and is not.
Prayer is not an optional activity. It is not something we approach only when we feel like we have no other options. We never graduate from prayer. When we look at the life of Jesus, he was praying intentional prayers all the way up to his arrest and execution. If Jesus continued in prayer, it must be essential and central for all believers.
Prayer is many things, but it is the primary way we communicate with God while on the earth. Prayer is not just sending mail to heaven. It is more than that. Prayer is communing with God, listening, sharing, worshiping, learning, and receiving healing.
Praying To The Father
Prayer is many things, but it is a connecting point to God. And just like Jesus prayed often to the Father, we have an invitation to pray to the Father. Jesus said in Matthew 6:6 ESV, "But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
By design, we get to seek after God in prayer, partner with God’s kingdom in prayer, and grow in God through prayer.
While there are far more words about prayer than I can fit in a short devotional on a Saturday morning, if we go after prayer, I know we will grow in maturity and influence in the kingdom of God. Even the simplest prayers can impact on the world around us. How much more are the effects of a church dedicated to the power of prayer?
Of course, there is a bit more to the Christian life than closeted prayer, but since Jesus went away to pray, we should follow his example. Remember that some of the most profound miracles Jesus performed, from walking on water to the transfiguration, followed a private prayer meeting.
Prayer matters. Hidden prayer is part of God’s design for his people.
Abiding happens daily in his presence. Abiding Daily is a simple and practical reminder to stay connected to the vine. Each prompt is inspired from the scriptures and designed to point you toward prayer and encounter. You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To get the Daily Invitation sent to you every day click this link or text “Daily” to +1 (779) 237-3914.
