Prayerlessness

What is prayer to begin with?

Prayer, simply put, is a deliberate communication with God. It may manifest in the form of supplication or intercession; it may even be in the form of thanksgiving or praise. Sometimes it is a form of meditation on the words, attributes and person of God. It is, overall, a performance of intimacy or fellowship with God. As Brother Charles Wesley reminds us, prayer is a Christian’s vital breath; it is a Christian pilgrim’s staff to walk with God.

Those who lived a life of prayer

One of my models when it comes to prayer is Martin Luther who once mentioned that “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” Luther lived a prayerful life and was known to spend hours on his knees at every point of the day. John Knox is another prayer warrior on whose prayer life the Queen of Scotland commented that “I fear the prayers of John Knox more than all the assembled armies of Europe.” Also in the Bible, we have examples of those who literally prayed down miracles. Elijah’s prayer brought down fire from heaven to destroy the altars of Baal. James told us that “Elijah was a human being like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years” (James 5:17). Daniel also had the habit of praying three times every day. We know about Enoch who communed with God so much that he “disappeared” – that is, he did not witness death (Genesis 5:24). In essence, a life sold out to praying is the one to which the supernatural is natural.

A prayerless generation

In this age of email alerts, Facebook notifications, Twitter trends and Tik Tok’ing, how does one maintain a mind that is continually stayed on God? If we want to be honest with ourselves, we know how much hours we spend watching YouTube videos and WhatsApp statuses instead of praying. Our mobile devices are slowing down our spiritual progress. We have become slothful in the most important business: the business of prayer (Romans 12:11). I must say, though, the problem is really not in our possession of smartphones or our use of social media, the problem is with our hearts. Our hearts are far away from God. We have lost that sense of desire for God that characterized the Early Church. The truth, according to St. Augustine, is that our hearts will remain restless, until they can find rest in God. This is where the Lord’s Prayer becomes most helpful.

The Lord’s Prayer

Andrew Murray emphasizes the importance of maintaining our relationship with God through prayer; he recommends that we pray the Lord’s Prayer repeatedly throughout the day. This is so important because of the state of our easily drifting minds. One moment we are praying, the next we are thinking about that email we need to reply to. Using the structure of the Lord’s Prayer helps us to recognize when our mind has wandered and helps us remember where to pick up again. Some people may push back on this method of prayer, saying that it is too structured and therefore restrains the Spirit’s spontaneous leading. In fact, I have found the opposite to be true. As someone who has always favored unscripted prayers that express heartfelt longings and desires, I have come to realize that structure and spontaneity are not at odds with each other. Every time I pray the Lord’s Prayer, my prayers have been richer, deeper, and have unlocked affections that are otherwise concealed.

The Sin of Prayerlessness

I have come to realize that prayerlessness is a sin (1 Samuel12:23). After all, Jesus commanded that “we ought to pray for one another”. I have also realized that intercession can help us to stay in a continuous prayer mode. When you don’t know what to pray about, pray for others. There is always someone in need of your prayers. Overall, I am grateful to God for giving me a renewed sense of expectancy in prayer and an appreciation for the cross-won gift of prayer. Inasmuch as it has benefited me, I commend it to you. With that, I will end with what Martin Luther once said: “I will tell you as best I can what I do personally when I pray. May our dear Lord grant to you and to everybody to do it better than I! Amen.”

Prayer is the Soul’s Sincere Desire by Charles Wesley

1 PRAYER is the soul’s sincere desire,
Uttered or unexpressed;
The motion of a hidden fire,
That trembles in the breast.

2. Prayer is the burden of a sigh,
The falling of a tear;
The upward glancing of an eye,
When none but God is near.

3 Prayer is the simplest form of speech
That infant lips can try;
Prayer the sublimest strains that reach
The Majesty on high.

4 Prayer is the contrite sinner’s voice,
Returning from his ways;
While angels in their songs rejoice,
And cry, “Behold he prays!”

5 Prayer is the Christian’s vital breath,
The Christian’s native air;
His watchword at the gates of death;
He enters heaven with prayer.

Author: Mulalo Mapfumo