Tools to maturity in the Christian life: Prayer

Welcome back to my blog. We are in a series exploring biblical concepts in the Christian life. There are many aspects to the Christian life. However, a simple biblically-based 5-step approach to grow our relationship with God is what I call the ‘5 tools to maturity,’ taken from Acts 2:42 and 47, as

follows:

• Prayer
• Praise
• Fellowship
• Receiving biblical teaching
• Teaching others with biblical truth

These 5 tools describe the activities documented in the very first church in Jerusalem and provide a model for the actions Christians should perform routinely. Importantly, these five activities are confirmed in later verses in the epistles.

Today and over the next several blogs we will discuss each of these tools in turn as they are so fundamental to our walk with God. Let us begin with prayer!

Prayer

We do indeed have a great God to whom we are privileged to pray. How do we pray? Here are the basic biblical concepts:

Attitude – the 7 C’s

• Christlike – We are to pray in such a way that is consistent with the goals of Christ as established in the Bible (John 14:13-14).
• Consistent with the Spirit – Our prayer should be consistent with God’s revealed Word (i.e., scripture, John 14:13-14; 1 John 5:14) which the Holy Spirit uses to provide us power (Ephesians 6:17; Jude 1:20).
• Confident – As a forgiven Christian God views us as sinless which allows us the privilege of direct, unimpeded access to Him so we can pray. We can come before God with courage (Hebrews 4:14-16;  10:20-22)!
• Continual – Our prayers are to be persistent, frequent (Romans 12:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:17) and in all places (1 Timothy 2:8).
• Changeable – Allow prayer itself, and scripture, to correct our attitudes and requests (1 Timothy 4:5).
• Consecrated – Our prayers should be unhindered by sin (1 Peter 3:7).
• Careful – We should be sober and watchful in our prayers (1 Peter 4:7)

Content of prayer – Scripture also describes several general themes in our prayers:

• Thankfulness – We should express gratitude for what God has done in our own and other people’s lives (Philemon 1:4).
• Praise – We should acknowledge God’s holy character and actions.

Note: The first two aspects of our prayers add to our proper attitude mentioned above but are also important content.  

• Our requests – We may petition God with anything that worries or concerns us. We should remember that we are praying to the great God of the universe (Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Peter 4:12).

• Specific requests– They should be consistent with God’s desires and example prayers recorded in scripture (John 14:13-14; Ephesians 1:15-19; Ephesians 3:15-18; Colossians 1:9-14).
• Pray for others– Examples of prayer for other people are frequent in scripture (James 5:16).
• Request prayer from others– Paul often requested prayers from others (Colossians 4:3; Ephesians 6:19), which may have had the following advantages:
  • Help induce God to answer the prayers.
  • Allows others to share in God’s answers to your prayers by asking them to pray for you so they also might be encouraged when you report to them the answered prayer.
  • We do not know exactly how God uses prayer requests from other people. In his epistles, Paul often asks for prayer (Colossians 4:3-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:25) although scripture generally does not mention that believers should ask other people to pray for them. Further, there is no set number scripture provides of people praying for you which God desires to answer Prayer. We do know, however, that God answers prayer according to His will (John 14:13-14; 1 John 5:14).

Therefore, prayer is a key tool to maturity as a Christian, invoking God’s help but yet reminding us of scripture, praise and to be thankful, all which may our assist our wellbeing. Prayer is one of the great benefits of our Christian life. Thanks be to God for such a provision.

Join us next time as we discussed the basis of our prayers and several special common questions about our petitions to God.

William C. Stewart, MD

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Disclaimer - This blog is provided for your use and enjoyment on an ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ basis. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.