By Rudy Hagood
In Luke 11:5-13 Jesus told stories about a neighbor who bothered another neighbor and a father who gave gifts to his children. Jesus used these parables to emphasize the role prayer plays in our relationship with God.
Sadly, prayer is often little more than a formality many people practice out of tradition. But when we look closely at Jesus’ model prayer in Luke 11:1-4, we discover that prayer is much more than form; it is a dynamic and transformative fire. I use the term fire to indicate its life-consuming quality. Jesus Christ demonstrated this in his fervent and persistent prayer life. His model for prayer goes beyond a structure; it demonstrates a vital connection and dependency on God that is essential for thriving in marriage, mission, and ministry.
The Essence of Prayer
Jesus modeled a fervency in prayer that leads to persistence. His prayers were characterized by an intimacy that fed his soul, much like food nourishes our bodies. This is evident in the way he prayed, often retreating to solitary places to commune with his Father.
While it’s legitimate to make requests when we pray, Jesus showed us that prayer is less about retrieving something and more about retreating with someone. That someone is our Dad (God)! Recognizing this important aspect of prayer shifts our focus from our needs to our relationship with the Creator. In his book Knowing God, J.I. Packer illustrated the importance of our relationship to God by writing, “What is a Christian? The question can be answered in many ways, but the richest answer I know is that a Christian is one who has God as Father.” This relational aspect of prayer is further emphasized by the frequency with which Jesus referred to God as Father (Dad) in the Gospels: 165 times, compared to only 15 such references in the Old Testament. If Jesus was consumed with God the Father, we should be as well.
Prayer and Marriage
Prayer is crucial for successful marriages. While it is possible to have a heart for one’s spouse without having a heart for Christ, true intimacy is cultivated in marriage through a shared spiritual journey. When couples pray regularly, they invite God into their relationship, allowing his love and wisdom to guide their interactions and decisions.
Prayer fosters a sense of unity and a shared purpose in marriage. It helps couples navigate challenges and celebrate joys with a perspective that is anchored in faith. By praying often, we learn to rely on God for strength and guidance, producing resilient and fulfilling unions. I’m not sure how my wife, Osharye, and I would have made it without prayer.
Prayer and Mission
We won’t have a heart for missions if we don’t have a heart for God. Mission work flows from a deep connection with God and prayer aligns our desires with God’s purposes, equipping us with the spiritual strength we need to face the challenges of mission. Through prayer, some believers are empowered to walk across the street to share the gospel with a neighbor. Others find the courage to step into unknown territory for the cause of Christ. It is our intimacy with God that provides the resilience to persevere amid difficulties in both local and global missionary work.
Prayer and Ministry
Prayer is indispensable in ministry. It is possible to have a heart to serve without having a heart for Christ, even though true ministry flows from a deep, personal relationship with him. Jesus’ example of persistent prayer underscores the importance of staying connected to God in all aspects of life and service.
Prayer provides the necessary spiritual power to persevere in ministry. God empowers us through prayer. Through prayer we find renewal and guidance. Prayer improves our service and maintains our focus on God’s vision. It is the spiritual fuel that empowers us to serve others with genuine compassion and wisdom. Isaiah 41:10 reminds us, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (ESV).
Practical Aspects of Prayer
Jesus taught his disciples to pray with a focus on God’s reputation, kingdom, provision, forgiveness, and guidance. The model prayer teaches us to ask and reflects a deep dependency on God.
Hallowed be Your name. This is a request that God’s name (reputation) be known and praised.
Your kingdom come. This is a request that God’s reign return in our life, and in all life.
Give us each day our daily bread. This is a reminder that God is our provider and a request that he provide for our needs.
Forgive us our sins. This is an acknowledgement of our need for God’s mercy and a request that he grant mercy to us.
Lead us not into temptation. This is a request to be led and a reminder that, left to our own devices, we would lead ourselves away from God. We ask God to guide and protect us from ourselves.
Jesus used stories about an “annoying” neighbor and a gift giving father to teach us about boldness in prayer. Our heavenly Father wants us to approach him in prayer with a persistence rooted in dependence and trust. God is approachable, loving, and desires to be “bothered” with our difficulties, no matter how small or great.
First and Final Fire
Since we are in Christ, let’s allow prayer to be our first and final fire. Prayer is more than communication with God; it is communion with him. God wants to be bothered, so go bother God. I had a dad who bothered me. As a kid, I didn’t like it. Now that he has passed, I am grateful to have been bothered by my dad. All of us have an eternal Dad, who is eternally ready to be bothered by his children. Retreat into communion with the Father.
Marriage, ministry, and mission will naturally flow from a heart intimately connected with Christ. So, my friends, pray.
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