Prayer 101-01

Preface

I like the writings of A.W. Tozer. In the preface to "The Pursuit of God" Tozer⁠1 says:

Nothing here is new except in the sense that it is a discovery which my own heart has made of spiritual realities most delightful and wonderful to me. Others before me have gone much farther into these holy mysteries than I have done, but if my fire is not large it is yet real, and may there be those those who can light their candle at its flame.

There will be nothing new in these posts. I have tried to cite the reference when I can. However, many authors use very similar language when talking about prayer. Most, if not all, of the books I have read are cited somewhere in these posts. I invite the readers to use the citation post to further their understand of prayer. If in my writing I have missed a citation it may be because I have blended several and favored one. I apologize in advance. If any errors or omissions are made I will endeavor to correct them as soon as I am aware of the omission.

It has been said that nothing great is accomplished in the Kingdom of God unless it begins with and is supported by prayer. This series of posts are simply and introduction to prayer. I invite you explore your own personal prayer life and experience a new relationship with the living God on a daily basis.

Introduction

 I believe three important dimensions of Christian life are obedience, worship, and prayer. Listening to and obeying God is the first and most critical dimension. Obedience will bring blessings to our life and if you are not obedient to God's word the other dimensions do not matter.

Worship is another important dimension. The highest possible description of the relationship between a believer and God is found in the words of Jesus in John 15:5, "You in me, and I in you." We find complete fulfillment only in a relationship with God⁠2. Romans 12:1 tells us to present ourselves as a "living sacrifice" because that is our sensible "act of worship."

Prayer is our communication with God. Prayer can be personal communications in the form of praise, expressions of repentance, personal requests, or concerns we have about our life. Prayer may also be in the form of intersession for others, intersession for our church, or intersession for a larger group, e.g. our city, state, or nation. Whatever the form, prayer is our main communication with God. This series of posts are about prayer.