I wrote an article on the MinTools.com site called Difficulty Praying? – Why We Don’t Pray that looks at reasons for difficulty in praying and also suggests what we can and can’t do if we are going to become more consistent, wholehearted, and alert in it. In this post I would like to look at reasons why we do pray and suggest a reason better than others.
First, however, we need to realize that what we often give as reasons we fail in prayer are not always the bottom line. They are more symptoms or excuses. Symptoms of difficulty in praying include but are not limited to:
easily distracted ~ tired ~ don’t know what to say ~
angry with God ~ too busy
The above mentioned article suggests what might be at the root of those symptoms. To counteract these issues we need to work on the following three reasons to pray: Commands, Commitment, Communion
Commands: Praying is a matter of obedience.
Commitment: Praying is a matter of an undivided heart.
Communion: Praying is a matter of relationship.
If you are out of fellowship with God, it is easier to disobey commands. Duty alone might not keep you praying. And, if you do pray out of obligation, that is not going to solve the problem of focus.
If you are a new believer, you are learning to be more committed. If you are a long-time believer, you still haven’t arrived and if you think you have, your pride can get in the way of praying. Devotion alone might make you want to pray and might get you on the right track to a better prayer life but won’t necessary bring life and energy into it.
If you maintain that first love referenced in Revelation 2:4, your communion with God provides continued motivation. Delight in the One to whom you pray, provides a passion to pray that supersedes all other reasons to pray.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. This is the first and greatest commandment. (Matt. 22:37-38)
If you love me, you will obey what I command. (Jn. 14:15)
When you pray because you delight in the Lord, duty and devotion are there but they are not your main focus. HE is. When praying is about relationship, you want communion with God.
For more on prayer, click on the following links:
Difficulty Praying? – Why We Don’t Pray
Prayer Ministry – Online Training
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Thanks for the reminder of why we should pray! I have recently gotten back into the habit of turning off the radio in my car as I drive to the office and spending that time alone with my heavenly Father – what a blessing to build my relationship with Him!
Good reminder about turning our hearts to Him at any time and at any place! Thanks for sharing that. There are so many times we could commune with Him throughout the day if we just look for them.