Spiritually mature people have a rich and regular prayer life. Jesus, of course, is the first and best example. He withdrew often and alone to pray, as well as living out prayer and teaching his disciples to pray. Moses and David also found time to pray in solitude, often climbing mountains.
I notice in scripture that it’s not often parents with young children who climb mountains to pray in solitude! And yet God gives no exception for young parents in his commands to pray. Yet neither does he set specific parameters that the only effective prayer is found in absolute solitude (or on mountains). What does the Lord say about prayer?
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12
“Be constant in prayer.” The NIV says “be faithful in prayer.” This would be as opposed to what we are prone to…
- Distraction in our prayers
- Laziness in our prayers
- Being haphazard in our prayers.
Prayer (like any other worthwhile endeavor) requires grit and determination to be faithful. It means praying whether we feel like it (or not). It means praying when we have a quiet house (or not). It means praying when we are overwhelmed with blessings (or not). Famously, Susanna Wesley made time for her own prayer life in a house full of ten children by throwing her apron over her head to begin. I only have two children, but I understand her habit all too well!
pray without ceasing, ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:17
But how can we pray without ceasing? Perhaps the better question is how can we not? As we grow older, we (hopefully) realize more and more our need for the Savior, as well as growing in our willingness to reach out to him for help. He doesn’t require 1000-word essays nor eloquent vocabulary but rather perseverance in prayer. He asks that we don’t give up, we don’t quit talking to him even when our hearts and days are heavy.
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ~ Philippians 4:6
Here God gives us the antidote to anxiety: prayer. We don’t have to be anxious because “in everything by prayer” we can speak to God. Everything includes asking for the baby to sleep through the night and helping me be patient with temper tantrums and sassy mouths. Everything includes asking for wisdom in dealing with difficulties and preteen outbursts and sullen moods. Everything includes asking for joy after grief, healing after sickness, peace amidst chaos.
Do not allow your own insecurities to put a chokehold on talking to God. He wants us to share our hearts with him. He cares deeply about what troubles us (1 Peter 5:7).
But he also reminds us in Philippians 4: we can and should speak to him about everything, but we are to do it “with thanksgiving.” He wants us to see how he is already working in our lives. Giving thanks forces us to look outside ourselves and to watch for his goodness in our lives.
Photo by Courtney Kenady on Unsplash
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