LifeWay Family Bible Series for Feb. 8: The difference in praying and saying prayers_12604

Posted: 1/23/04

LifeWay Family Bible Series for Feb. 8

The difference in praying and saying prayers

Ezra 8:21-23; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; James 5:13-18

By David Jenkins

New Hope Baptist Church, Big Sandy

Nothing we do in our Christian experience is more important than establishing a relationship with God through prayer.

True prayer must be more than a formal “saying of words” properly spoken in King James English. The praying God hears is a spontaneous expression that comes from the depths of our hearts. True praying requires a unique kind of discipline which involves a sense of our unworthiness, a personal delight in being on speaking terms with our Lord and a willingness to call on others to join us in prayer for special needs.

A call to prayer and fasting

Ezra was a priest and a scribe, a descendant of Aaron, who was among the Jews who lived as captives in the Persian Empire. Ezra and Nehemiah were in good standing with King Arta-xerxes, and were allowed to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls and the city.

Before Ezra and the Jews accompanying him left Persia for Jerusalem, he called a fast so they might humble themselves before God and pray. Ezra knew the task before him was going to be an awesome one. He knew his heart and the hearts of those with him must be in tune with God. They must be willing to humble themselves before the Lord. A time of fasting would help them focus more clearly on their personal spiritual needs. They would see themselves as powerless apart from the presence of God with them. The journey itself would not be without its perils. So Ezra led the people in prayer for a safe journey for them, for their families and their possessions.

Note that Ezra “was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road” (v. 22), because he had told the king “the hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him.” In other words, he had borne witness of his faith before this pagan king. Now he must prove his faith by trusting in God for protection. Do our actions match what we profess?

An encouragement to pray continually

As Paul was bringing his first Thessalonian letter to a close, he gave a series of specific, to-the-point instructions to believers in verses 16-18. Among these rapid-fire commandments is one that concerns prayer. However, Paul preceded that prayer commandment with an exhortation to “be joyful always.” First century Christians were discriminated against shamelessly, often to the point of losing their lives. Yet in the midst of such persecution, they were to be joyful. Paul referred to an inner joy, not the surface effort reflected in a forced smile that barely covers an attitude of self-pity.

The uniqueness of Christian joy lies in the fact that it shines forth under the most adverse circumstances. In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul gave a summary of the hardships he had undergone for the sake of the gospel. In the course of that recital, he mentioned he had been “sorrowful, yet rejoicing” (2 Corinthians 6:10).

Very closely related to this constant joy is a spirit of incessant prayer. The only way to remain joyful even in the midst of the most pressing trials is through an uninterrupted communication with God. Paul did not mean we were to pray “non­stop,” but rather maintain a relationship with God that is constant. Perhaps we might best describe it has having a line to heaven's throne that is always open and available for our use.

Praying can take place, whether words are spoken or not. Our hearts can be in touch with God even while we are in the midst of our everyday duties. The most monotonous hours during a day can be enlivened by an awareness that our God is instantly available to us through prayer.

A basis for effective praying

In these verses in James, we find two emphases on prayer–one deals with prayer in every circumstance of life (vv. 13-16), while the other illustrates the effectiveness of sincere praying. James said that when we find ourselves in trouble, we are to pray. The normal reaction to trouble is to complain, feel mistreated or become bitter. Even in the dark shadows of trouble, prayer can help us establish such a relationship with the Lord that we will “sing songs of praise.”

Sickness is another situation in which prayer is needed. James gave detailed instructions as to what we should do in such times. It is always helpful to “call the elders of the church” to pray for us and anoint us with oil “in the name of the Lord.” Some see this anointing as a symbol of the Holy Spirit, while others see it as a medicinal anointing. Oil was indeed a popular medicine in biblical times. James brought his teaching about prayer to a climax by insisting prayer will be powerful and effective if it comes from the hearts of those who are right with God.

Questions for discussion

What role can fasting play in a Christian's life, particularly in regard to prayer?

What is the only basis for effective praying?