Practicing Prayer

 There are no instant prayer warriors. To really learn to pray effectively and become one of God's prayer warrior takes time spent with Him in prayer. The temptation is to read about prayer, do prayer focused Bible studies and to even listen to messages about prayer. Those are all well and good. If you really want to grow in prayer, YOU HAVE TO PRAY! There are no shortcuts or substitutes.

I've devoted 40 years of my life learning about, preaching and teaching about, and writing about prayer. None of that is a substitute for actually praying. The joy I have shared with the Father and the Son is impossible to put into words. Countless hours spent alone shut up with God pouring out my heart. Untold hours spent doing nothing more than listening for His still small voice. It is the most important thing I ever do on any given day. The abounding answers could make a book.

Make no mistake about it. I have to fight for that time. Distractions abound. Something is always clamoring for my attention. Sometimes I have to leave the crowd when the noise become so loud it drowns out the voice of the Holy Spirit. I have a get away in the church I frequent to seek and listen to the Lord. No matter how much time I've devoted to prayer I feel little more than a novice, and know there is so much more to learn and experience. So I keep practicing prayer.

In [Matt 6:5-7] twice Jesus used the phrase, "When you pray." He always expected His followers would spend time alone with Him in their inner room, prayer closet, or secret place to pray. Jesus withdrew from the company of people to keep company with His Father. [Mark 1:35] We must follow His example. This is a lifetime commitment. The rewards of faithful praying will echo in eternity.