"Teach Us To Pray"

The disciples of Jesus asked, "Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught His disciples." (Luke 11:1) Maybe we need to be asking, "Lord, teach me to pray"? The disciples of Jesus heard Him teach with authority, perform great miracles and stood in awe of His presence and power, yet they made a simple request, "Lord, teach us to pray."

The greatest failure in the lives of many is the failure to pray. John was a man of prayer and a teacher of prayer. Jesus, the Son of God, was a man of prayer. Prayer is the most fundamental way one relates to God. God's word relates to us giving us direction and insight. Nothing we do should take place of prayer. Prayer is crucial because prayer demonstrates our relationship with God, our faith reaching to Him with Him being the center of our being. Many pray only when in trouble or want something. That exposes the relationship as little and maybe on the verge of idolatry! Prayer shows our trust, our love and assurance in our relationship with God.

The disciples of Jesus were not asking Jesus for technique or a formula for prayer, saying the right words at the right time. Listen one more time what they requested, "Lord, teach us to pray." It was not, "Lord, teach us how to pray." There is a major difference. It seems there are tons of books written on prayer, cd's on prayer, tapes on prayer, retreats on prayer and bible studies on prayer. Many times we are disappointed because most deal with formulas or gimmicks, which cheapens prayer. Prayer is not repeated words, finding the right words but a deep inner faith reaching out, trusting, relying and looking to God and He knows it!

Prayer is nothing more than humbly being allowed into the presence of the Almighty God because Jesus brought you there. Prayer is more than speaking to God. Prayer is more than listening to God. Prayer is being in the presence of God! Prayer is life! Prayer is confession! Prayer is submission! Prayer is our helplessness, looking to the Lord! Prayer is obedience! Prayer is life, the spiritual life of God working within! Prayer is God's power! I personally do not believe in prayer!!! I believe in God to whom I pray. Maybe we need to take a look at our relationship to the Lord by looking at our prayer life. Therein, you will find how solid your relationship is with Him and your faith in Him. Now, that's kind of revealing, isn't it?