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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
Paul taught Timothy, a young protégé of his in ministry that, “…requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving (should) be made for everyone…” 1 Timothy 2:1; which became the essence of the early church’s practice of powerful, effective prayer. Prayer being our means of communication with God, encouraging a time of meditation on His goodness, including reflection on His word and will. As such, we focus on Him, committing ourselves to His will – not through selective moments of obedience but a continuous lifestyle; and if our prayer time is shared with others it can entail a time of discussion and mutual support. So how important is prayer to you and how much time do you actually invest in it?
The Bible admonishes us to, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Why is that so difficult? It’s an issue of time – or so some say. And yet, we talk constantly. (Some more so than others!) It would appear that we are driven to communicate. Why do you think that is? I believe we have a need for fellowship, for companionship. Communication is often nothing more than an exchange of information, but is as often an effort to reach out to others in acknowledgement and friendship. Why don’t we feel as compelled to do that with God? Some might ask, doesn’t He already know everything about us? Why should we have to express the obvious? Because despite all His power and glory, I believe God craves companionship as well. And while He could command our attention, I believe He craves conversation with beings who choose to spend time with Him; hearing the expressions of love, need and thanks from His children much like earthly parents do.
Which is not an attempt to dictate your every move but rather a desire to be involved in your life; to spend a few moments alone with you. Remember God’s relationship with Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden? God came to them in the cool of the day – to teach? Probably. To correct? Possibly. But could He have wanted time with them in pleasant conversation as well, time spent in comfortable sharing of ideas and ideals that foster closeness and commitment? (Genesis 3:8) It was they who rebelled and broke that relationship. A practice still indulged in by their descendants today.
Isn’t the essence of any relationship or true partnership communication? Whether it be in our marriages, extended family, or with friends; we always feel more capable, less confused, more emotionally grounded when spending time with the people who really matter. Why? Because we understand thoroughly who they are and what motivates them to behave the way they do, and vice versa. We develop love and respect for one another and become willing to sacrifice for the others benefit as a result of familiarity. All these attributes apply to our relationship with God as well. Conversely, friendship, family and marriages suffer and fail as a result of a lack of communication; so too with God.
“Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him… (as) the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” James 5:13,14 & 16 How much difference could that really make? Why wouldn’t God more readily respond to a committed prayer warrior, one who routinely prays not just when he is in trouble but in thanks when things are going well? And even when we don’t know how to pray or what to specifically say when we do, it comforts us to know that God has supplied us with an aid to effective prayer. As, “…the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.” Romans 8:26,27
Jesus set the example. Some question his need to pray – being God in the flesh – but that fleshly existence made him vulnerable to people’s incessant cries for help and insistent demands for his time to explain and defend himself. Plainly said – he got tired. He needed time to be alone with his Father to refocus, sometimes merely to rest his mind and body as none of us respond well or make the best decisions when emotionally and/or physically exhausted. I think his example of getting off to a quiet place to pray was in part just that, showing us what to do in preparation for effective prayer and ministry; removing the distractions – at times taking your closest, committed companions along in concerted prayer and discussion. (See Mark 1:35, Luke 9:18, Luke 5:16) He used prayer time as a teaching tool (Luke 11:1), as a means of preparing for tasks requiring great effort (Matthew 14:23), and before making big decisions. (Luke 6:12) And nothing showed his own personal struggle with the needs of man and God’s expectations more than the prayer uttered in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39 & 42); which was not lost on the early church, its standard of practice being to devote, “…themselves to the Apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42 A pattern we would do well to apply and/or continue in our private lives and worship services yet today.
Check back next week for specific Biblical teachings on prayer and practical examples of this essential means of communication with God.
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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