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How do you communicate with God? This question is sure to be pondered by many believers, and perhaps even non-believers.
While Christians can learn from and about God in the Scriptures, church history, tradition, and theology, prayer is the most practical means by which they can interact with God daily.
You do not need to be a systematic theologian to pray to God. The Bible explains David’s prayer life extensively in the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 55:17). Daniel likewise serves as a good example of regular, consistent prayer (Daniel 6:10).
Luther often prayed the Psalms, a tradition that has remained for Christians for generations. The desert monk Anthony was said to have memorized entire Psalms for devotion to prayer.
When monasteries started to form by Christians such as Augustine and Benedict, praying the Psalms was required.
God does not need our prayers; He is the Creator and Maker (Acts 17:24–25). However, as finite human beings, we desperately need His guidance, blessings, and comfort.
Prayer can certainly be fixed, such as the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9–13), the Psalms, the Apostles’ Creed, and so on. However, it can also be spontaneous. A healthy mix is ideal.
An ancient tradition dating back to the second and third centuries is the prayer rope, which many Christians still use today, notably in the Eastern Church. The standard prayer used is called the Jesus Prayer, which reads, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
Building a pattern of prayer, whether through memorized Psalms and historic petitions or through free, spontaneous prayer, helps keep us grounded. It also establishes a steady habit. As with anything in life, consistent practice forms a firm foundation, and the life of prayer is no different.
Jesus taught the Lord’s Prayer intentionally, with a focus on submission to God and His sovereignty, our plea for assistance, and our request for forgiveness (Matthew 6:9–13).
Prayers can be short or extensive. They can be whispered, said out loud, private, or corporate. But prayer must take place (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
In a fallen world, where the battle of the flesh vs. the Spirit is evident daily (Galatians 5:17), the more prayers we send to God, the stronger we will be.
It is never too late to start a regular prayer life. Eastern Christians (Orthodox) are known to hold on to their prayer rope when falling asleep, typically in the midst of saying prayers. It is known that the comfort of waking up to the prayer rope still in their hand gives great peace.
Pray for your family, friends, nation, peace, and for yourself. Pray for the global church, believers across the world (1 Timothy 2:1–2).
In all that you do, never cease to pray (1 Thessalonians 5:17). This is the life of the Christian.
