What prayer is

By John Chopores

 

   Prayer is seven things it is-

1. Prayer as communion. Fellowship with God, is opening the heart to God. To be able to talk to the Lord of lords, is part of the Grace of God.
 

2. Prayer as Submission. To submit we must use our will, and by doing so, we become more like Jesus. Cf. Romans 15:3  For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

As we talk to God (the Father) in prayer the Holy Spirit (God the Spirit) speaks to us, telling us how to get in line with God's Will and pray right. As we seek God, our will gets more into line with His Will!

3. Prayer as Petition. Petitioual prayer needs communion and submission. It comes out of a heart-fellowship with God. And should be in line with God’s will for the World and us. It is an act of faith.

4. Prayer as Co-operation. To Co-operation with God is a great thing that God has given to us! There is no greater work that we can do, than to work with God! It is both a motive and glory of prayer.

5. Prayer as Conflict or Warfare. Like Daniel the prophet, we should use this kind of warfare! Cf. Dan. 10: 2  In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. 3  I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.

6. Prayer as Education and training. “Education has to do with obtaining knowledge. Training has to do with moral worth in practical expression.” [TT.].

7.   Prayer as worship.  Cf. Acts 2.: 1 ¶ And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

2  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

3  And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

4  And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.