Better Praying

A man had two sons. One of them rarely spoke to his father. Actually, there were only two kinds of occasions when he spoke to him at all - formal family gatherings and when he was in serious trouble. When he spoke to his father on formal occasions it was with stilted words that seemed to be disconnected from the true feelings of his heart. He seemed to be more concerned with how he sounded than with what he said. However, when he was in trouble and needed money or help getting out of some difficulty, he would gush with emotion and plead with his father promising that if he would help him, he would become a better son. As soon as his father delivered him from his trouble, the boy would forget what had been done for him and rarely even be mindful enough to say thank you.

The other son loved his father deeply and sought his company continually. He would ask his father for insight about daily living and seek his wisdom when confronted with perplexing issues. He not only had an overwhelming sense of gratitude toward his father, but made a habit of saying thank you and expressing his appreciation for all his father meant to him. He knew his father and his father knew him. They were close in every sense of the word and enjoyed a bond that the other son couldn't understand.

What kind of son or daughter are you? What is your relationship with your Father like? Do you talk to him daily to seek his counsel and express your love and appreciation or do you only talk to Him at formal prayer time or in moments of dire need? Prayer is one of the best ways to measure the depth of our relationship with God. Communication is vital to the health of any relationship and so it is with us and our heavenly Father. The following are three recommendations that will help you draw nearer to God through prayer.

Know you've been granted the right to draw near to God. Under Moses law the prevailing message from God to the people was ""Stand back!"" When the law was given, clouds covered the mountain and the people were warned not to touch it (Ex 19). The tabernacle contained the most holy place into which none dare enter except the high priest once a year. Under Christ the prevailing message from God is ""Draw near!"" With the death of Jesus the veil separating the people and the dwelling of God was torn and now we are granted open access into the most holy place through our Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith (Heb 10:19-22).

Understand prayer is talking to God. The idea that prayer requires an esoteric vocabulary has discouraged many. While we must remember to be reverent and respectful of God, we are nowhere told that we must change our manner of speaking in order to address Him. God wants you to speak to Him from the heart in your own words. There are no special phrases or magic words required. You may find it helpful to read some of the prayers in the Bible to help you get started.

Remember that prayer is more than a duty - it is a privilege. You might be motivated to pray by thinking that God is going to punish you if you don't, but if that is your motivation you won't draw near to God and you won't pray well. Pray because the Father who loves you more than anyone is longing to hear from you. Pray because you want to tell Him how grateful you are for the countless blessings He is responsible for bringing into your life. Pray because you want to receive His strength to be good, do justly and show mercy. Pray because you've done wrong and you just can't stand to live another moment with the sin that is marring your relationship with Him. Learn to pray because you desire it, because you need it, because you can't imagine life without it. Then you will be drawing near to God through prayer.

Lawrence preaches for the Stonegate church in Port Arthur, Texas.