Prayer is Relational

A question: What is the difference between a conversation and a request?

It may be answered that when we are in a conversation there is a sense of it being a mutual interaction between one to another! On the other hand a request is when one person is doing most of the talking, giving instructions and demanding requests and actions from the one listening!

I have heard it said that children’s prayers are full of thanksgiving, compared to an adult’s prayer that includes lots of asking.

In this Insight I want us to think about how Prayer is Relational and then in two subsequent Insights to focus on how Prayer is Situational and can be full of Thanksgiving.

Another question that is more personal? How is your current prayer life and how do you engage in prayer on a daily basis considering those points about asking and being conversational?

In many respects how we pray is like a window into our life of faith! The intimate relationship with God had been broken and it’s important to ponder on examples such as Abraham, Isaiah and Jesus to be reminded how important a relational prayer life is and helps us to flourish spiritually.  

Eden

In Genesis 3: 8 – 13  we read about a very special relationship between creator God and his creation Adam and Eve. In the beautiful Garden of Eden all seemed to be perfectly peaceful and relationships were happy and joyous. This contrasts sharply too many experiences in reality that are fraught with anger and discord. Adam and Eve listened to the tempting voice of the Devil which resulted in a broken relationship with their Father God because they became aware of knowledge beyond what was intended for them. This action changed the relationship and the living conditions in Eden and the future world to come.

Sodom

In Genesis 18: 16 – 33 we read about the faith and prayers of Abraham. It is through a spirit of repentance and faith that the broken relationship with God can be renewed and it is in that context that we are able to enter into a conversational prayer to Almighty God. Abraham had the confidence to intercede in prayer for the citizens of Sodom and Gomorrah who were under the threat of Gods judgement 

Abraham’s prayer was personal and persistence to the point that God changed his mind a number of times in regards to how many he would save and those he would condemn. Our prayer life should not be about a long list of requests but a sincere seeking after Gods presence.

Temple

In Isaiah 6: 1 – 9 the prophet is challenged to respond to a Holy God, that seemed distant and forbidden for any mortal person. The angels helped Isaiah to listen and react to what was being said to him and overcome his sense of unworthiness. In faith Isaiah received God’s forgiveness and willingly obeyed the call to share God’s love and presence to everyone he met. In any relationship it is important to listen to what is being said and then respond accordingly.

Jerusalem 

In Luke 2: 41 – 52 we read about the time Jesus, aged twelve, and his family visited Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. While travelling home after the festival, Mary and Joseph were unsure where Jesus was. After three days thinking he was in the company of relatives and friends Jesus was found in a local synagogue debating and asking questions with the leaders.

In response to their concerns as to where he was, Jesus was surprised and annoyed. He responded by saying you should have known I would be in my Father’s house in conversation, prayer and giving thanks.

In the busy three years of Jesus’ public ministry he often withdrew from the crowds to pray and share private conversations with the Father and Spirit and make requests for healings and miracles to take place. We would do well to follow his example. 

Conclusion

In the modern age of social media everything can seem to be in an ethereal world rather than a person to person setting. A Relational Prayer life is one in which we speak with a God that we cannot see but one in whom we can know his personal presence and guidance.

Moses in Exodus 33 sought the presence and rest of God above all else in his life and ministry. In prayer we can feel and have confirmed to us that God is real and exists and always wants our best. He wants us to spend time waiting, listening, and responding to what he is saying to us.

In Relational Prayer may we be still and bring our confessions and love to the Lord. May we renew our faith and trust as we meditate on scripture. May we bring our praise and thanksgiving to the Lord while offering up specific requests for individuals and situations in need of God’s grace and healing?  Enjoy Dan Schutte’s great hymn of commitment and dedication based on Isaiah 6.

Graham