Do you ever wish your prayer life was more vibrant? You’d think something as simple as talking to God wouldn’t come with so much struggle. After all, we talk all the time, so why does this cause angst?
Last week at prayer meeting, our pastor asked, “Do you ever pray to the Holy Spirit?” Silence. Finally, one brave man said, “I’m afraid if I do, I’ll accidentally commit the unpardonable sin.” That drew a few uncomfortable chuckles from the group. Why is there so much confusion about prayer? Do we fear God’s displeasure if we do it wrong?
I know it’s been an issue for me. Growing up in a legalistic church, I tend to be a little gun shy—or should I say, prayer shy—even though I know in my heart His desire is that we just come to Him, flaws and all. When we read the gospels, we see the pattern Jesus lays out for his disciples first in Matthew 6 with The Lord’s Prayer. It’s the first one I learned as a child, and it’s still one I go to when I don’t know what to pray.
But after Pastor Tom explained what blaspheming of the Holy Spirit is, he assured this man his concern about committing it proved he wouldn’t. Then we discussed the Godhead—the three distinct persons in the trinity. God the Father who answers our prayers, Jesus our Mediator, and Holy Spirit who tugs on our hearts and gives us the desire to pray, heed, and obey. We should consider the great works of all three, and be thankful for them.
I’m linking to an article by John Piper for some clarification. He says it much better than I do, but the gist of it is that recognizing the Godhead in our prayers can strengthen our relationship with Him. And when we draw closer to Him, we are more apt to follow the command from 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to pray without ceasing. Not an easy task, am I right?
I bring this up because recently there has been a tug on my heart to improve my prayer life (thank you Holy Spirit!) Since the attack on Israel, my conversations with God have been along the lines of David when he asked Him to take out his enemies. I want to see them destroyed, especially when news of their heinous, evil deeds are exposed. I figured if David’s prayers for vengeance are in Psalms, then it’s a good example, right?
But then I received Wanda Alger’s newsletter in my email, which (if I’m being totally honest) I rarely read. So many newsletters, so little time. However, I was compelled to open it up (see what I mean about the Holy Spirit’s intervention?) It included a YouTube video of her discussing the attack on Israel, and how the Lord has guided her to respond. I’m including the link to that newsletter and video here.
Guess what? She reminded me that Matthew 5:43-44 clearly states we are to love our enemies—those who persecute us—which includes terrorists. What does that mean? It means we aren’t to pray for vengeance because that belongs to God. Instead, we’re commanded to hate the sin and love the sinner—and pray that their hearts and eyes will be open to the saving grace of Jesus. That’s a hard one for my justice-loving, black-and-white mentality. I don’t do shades of gray well, and I can’t do it in my own power.
Something else Wanda Alger shared on the video is her book Words to Pray by, which is available on her website or Amazon. This is a concordance of prayers using scripture she’s put together over several years. Praying with God’s Word is not only a powerful, it’s Biblical. I’ve just never been able to do it well. But having a pattern, some examples, and a starting point is just what I need.
Words to Pray by is less expensive on her website than Amazon (if you discount the shipping fee), but Amazon also has it on Kindle Unlimited. Since I have KU, I’ve downloaded it there to get a feel for it, but I have every intention of buying the paperback. I prefer the feel of a real book in my hands when it’s something I’ll refer to again and again.
We are living in hard times, and by all accounts, it’s going to get a lot harder. End times? Maybe. If I don’t draw closer to the Lord, respond to the challenges we’re facing in earnest, heartfelt prayer, and put all my trust in Him, I won’t finish this race well. And more than anything else this world can offer, I long to hear His words, “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.” Don’t you?
One thing I do that has improved how I pray is journaling. Every morning as I read the Bible and a couple devotionals (Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman is my favorite), I write out my prayers to my Heavenly Father. It keeps me focused and gives me something tangible to look back on when I need to remember His faithfulness.
Are there specific things you do in your prayer life that has been helpful? If so, be sure to share it in the comments. You never know who you might bless with your suggestions.
Comments 1
I love this blog. I was surprised when the guy said he was afraid he would blaspheme in prayer. That thought has never crossed my mind. I also liked your answer. If we are praying in the Holy Spirit, we cannot blaspheme. Thank you for this blog. I am sure it will improve my prayer life.