What is Prayer?

“God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” - John 4:24

In its simplest definition, prayer is a conversation with God. For some religions, it may be a conversation with a spirit, or an intermediary between God and man, but for our purposes, it is our conversation with our God.

Way back in the Old Testament days, after the fall of Adam and Eve, only a handful of people, like Methuselah, Noah, and Moses, had direct access to God. Because of sin, people were estranged from God. People had to have a priest bring a sacrifice to the altar and bring their petitions to God. But with Jesus Christ, the ultimate sacrifice was made once, and it lasts forever. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, we have unlimited access to an unlimited God.

In some sense, it is not an ordinary conversation. It does require one to be focused in mind, as in a somewhat meditative state. Because God is spirit and truth, our spirit needs to be aligned with Him, and we are to speak in truth. Our mindset needs to be attuned to God’s will, or at the very least, there must be a willingness or desire to follow God’s will.

Questions for Study:

1. What does it mean to you to worship God “in spirit and in truth”?

2. How can you utilize prayer to build a better relationship with God? How did Jesus utilize prayer to converse with God?

3. How can you “walk with God” while praying?

4. Is it alright to pray for the intercession of our deceased relatives or to angels and saints to bring our petitions to God? What did God sacrifice in order that we could come directly to Him?

Additional Reading: Romans 8:1-11, 1 Timothy 2:1-6, John 14:16

Note:

I know that some of these questions may be controversial in today’s world. However, these are the questions that each one of us has to ask ourselves in order to become rooted in the Word and erase any doubts.

I encourage every person who reads this, to not rely on their own understanding, but to find scriptures that lends credence to our values as Christians. The Bible is there for us to learn and grow in our faith. If you have trouble finding these verses, or understanding what they mean, then by all means, ask your pastor.

Lastly, I encourage everyone who seeks to study the Word of God, to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit (read John 16:12-15). The Spirit is God’s gift to mankind after He took back His son, Jesus Christ. Let us all avail ourselves of this wonderful gift.