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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 As personal requests, intercession on behalf of others as well as praise and thanksgiving became the essence of the early church’s practice of effective prayer and the realization of a relationship with God. Prayer being our means of communication with God, encouraging a time of meditation on His goodness, involving a quiet time of reflection on His word and will. As such, it can become a time of focusing on Him, a time of committing ourselves to His will – of practicing not just selective moments of obedience but a 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? But 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 - unlike the angels who were created to worship, praise and serve Him - I believe He craves conversation with beings who choose to spend time with Him; an expression of love, need and thanks from His children much like our earthly parents do.
Yet this 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. To get to know them and allow them to get to know Him as well? (Genesis 3:8) It was they who rebelled and broke that relationship. A tradition still practiced 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 in control 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. 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?
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 demand for his time to explain and defend himself. Plainly said – he grew tired. He needed time to be alone with his Father to refocus, to be re-inspired; sometimes merely to rest his mind and body. None of us responding well or making 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. (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 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 to our 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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