Prayer

Prayer

Genesis 31-33 | Psalm 11 | John 11

In Genesis 32:9-12 we read of an earnest prayer of Jabob's: after hearing that his brother was approaching with 400 men, Jacob feared for his life and for the lives of those with him, so prayed to God that He would deliver him and those around him safely. In his prayer it is clear that Jacob's hope rested on God keeping His Word - twice Jacob 'reminds' God of His promise to him to 'make him prosper'. In this way Jacob shows his utter dependance on God's character: God was with Jacob and directed him in his life; Jacob followed these directions and often entered dire circumstances as a result, but was always delivered in accordance with God's promises.

Many view the wrestling that followed as a prime example of the struggle of the godly man or woman. It is evident that God allows, even places, His people into difficult circumstances, but it is the same God who will see them through. Just as Jacob was in a tough situation when wrestling with one who had the power to put his hip out of place with a mere touch; so he was in a tough situation facing the imminent arrival of his brother with 400 men. Just as 'the man' wrestling Jacob didn't simply defeat Jacob with his overwhelming power, so Jacob found his brother had forgiven him and was seeking a renewed relationship.

But prayer is more than asking God for something. Prayer is man or woman talking to God and so partaking in a relationship with Him - what an amazing thing it is indeed that we can talk to God in this way!

Like a human to human relationship, it is only through constant communication and sharing that a relationship with God will grow and flourish. This relationship will always involve the man or woman's understanding that in themself, they are unworthy of God. Jacob reflected on his own unworthiness in his prayer (v.10), and similarly, you and I must remember both God's grace in hearing us, and in the righteousness we posses through Christ - it is through Christ only that we are worthy to be heard by God. And just as Christ prayed knowing that God always heard Him (Jn. 11:41-42), so you and I are to pray in complete confidence of God's avid attention.

It is through prayer that we grow closer to God; it is through prayer that we find God's direction; and it is through prayer that we commit our lives to Him - that is, we commit ourselves to following His way and commit ourselves to His care, trusting that He will look after us in following His path. In doing so we can truly say: "I take refuge in the Lord, why should I be afraid?" (much like David's stance in today's Psalm).

I have found that there are three essential elements of a mature Christian life: regular prayer, regular Bible reading, and regular fellowship with other Christians. These are essential, but surely prayer stands out even among these three? Christ's saving works resulted in us being restored in our relationship with God. It is because of this relationship that we have the hope of eternal life, and the continuing means of this relationship is prayer. Prayer is often neglected or treated as a mere part of the Christian life, but surely prayer is as close as we get to Heaven on Earth - in prayer we are talking with God!

Pray that you may be always growing closer to God, committing all aspects of your life to Him; thank Him that you can pray to Him, that your relationship has been restored; and ask that He will bless you in your prayers: that you may pray constantly, at all times in all places.