What is prayer?

What is prayer?

Seems simple, right?

It’s when we put our hands together, close our eyes, and rattle off some words to God.

Only, that’s a very limited view of prayer.

Instead of just a physical posture of bowed heads and closed eyes, I’d argue that prayer, like most spiritual disciplines, has more to do with intent and execution rather than just execution itself.

Allow me to explain.

Understanding Prayer

Prayer is, first and foremost, talking and living with God.

This was a constant practice in the life of Jesus whom we see in the Gospels repeatedly go off to be alone and pray.

It was how Jesus remained close to His Father and, by extension, His mission.

For us, it’s much the same. Prayer keeps our attention fixed on God, reminding us of the spiritual reality that pervades the world we wake up and go to sleep in every day.

And, perhaps most importantly, prayer expresses our dependence on God.

Prayer is an ever-present reminder that we are limited, created beings with a relational connection to our Creator.

Prayer is More Than What We Think

I believe Jesus was praying even when He wasn’t going off to solitary places.

Prayer is connection to the Father. Jesus was always connected to the Father. So, I believe, Jesus was always praying - whether that prayer was healing the sick, eating with His community, or, of course, clasping His hands and bowing His head.

All that to say, prayer is more than clasping your hands and closing your eyes.

That’s certainly part of it but not all.

I don’t think Paul asked us to be on our knees 24/7 but to repurpose our lives so that we, like Jesus, are connected to the Father as much as possible.

This is why prayer is a mixture of the internal and external.

It’s a heart posture. Just because you bow your head doesn’t mean you’re praying. Nor does prayer have to be a separate entity from our daily lives.

It isn’t so much about a “prayer-life” balance as it is about merging prayer and life into one thing.

And to do that, it’s helpful to explore the different forms prayer takes.

Which is exactly what we’ll do tomorrow.

For now, be blessed.

Jon,

Theophilus Newsletter