Prayer Postures and Communication with God
Description
According to the New Bible Dictionary, prayer is worship that includes all the attitudes of the human spirit in its approach to God: Adoration, Confession, Praise, and Supplication. For me, it is a privilege that God makes available for us to commune together verbally, emotionally, mentally and physically to express praise, concerns, requests, thanksgiving, and adoration. To boldly come imperfect as I am, in an honest, open, and humble manner; in good times and perceived bad times, regardless of how I feel or my present circumstances, trusting that God's unconditional love and promises will prevail. This articles examines some elements of prayer as experienced in my prayer life.
Intercessory Prayer: To lift up another person or situation in prayer; To go to God on behalf of someone else in order to help them through their life situations; To take on another’s life issues and keep them before God as they fight through spiritual warfare; To allow the Holy Spirit to work through you to pray about specific needs in any and every area.
In my prayer sessions, I sometimes pray for myself, intercede on behalf of others, or join with one or more people. I enjoy my personal quiet time, but also participate on a conference prayer call, and there are times when I call a friend for needed prayer support. Matthew 18: 19 – 20 affirms the added power of group prayer in stating, "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them."
When I pray, I do so using the word of God because I believe the promise in Isaiah 55:11 that states, "… It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” I have also found that singing enhances my prayer life when a song comes to mind it seems to magnify God’s presence in and around me ushering me into a more intimate experience. Whether in word or thought, I pray while I am walking, dancing, sitting, standing, kneeling, or lying prostrate.
Positive and Negative Factors
I have the confidence in His promises that:
1- Anything I ask according to His will, He hears and gives (1 John 5: 14-15).
2- I will have transcending peace to guard my heart and mind in Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).
3- If I commit to the Lord whatever I do, my plans will succeed (Proverbs 16:3).
Another positive factor is the mutual exchange when I communicate with God. I receive direction and instructions for my life and He gives me the words to speak and write for others and myself (Isaiah 50:4). However, I think that the greatest benefit is the help in times of need and the intercession of the Holy Spirit when I don't know what to say or feel too stressed out to pray (Romans 8:26-27).
On the other hand, there are some factors that don’t feel as pleasing or positive, such as the watching and waiting period, the unexpected answer, and the disappointing desired answer. Sometimes waiting for God’s deliverance, direction, or plan to unfold in my life creates anxiety, especially when His manifestation time is considerably longer than anticipated. Then there are times when the unexpected answer is a painful NO or comes by way of an injury as in when my 15 year old niece died no matter how passionately I pleaded or when I received a financial blessing by way of a long term disabling accident. The old saying “Be careful what you pray for” comes to mind regarding desired answer when you get what you prayed for only to find out that it was not what you thought and now no longer want.
Suggestions and Resources
Over the years, I have become more disciplined in my prayer journey and now engage in a morning personal prayer and meditation period, as well as dial into a conference call prayer line Monday through Friday. However, I also believe that keeping a consistent prayer journal to record answers to written and dated prayers would improve my prayer life and strengthen my faith. What are your prayer practices and suggestions?
Prayer Conference Call Resource:
- The Love Journey @ 7 am EST 712-432-0900, pin 772719; recorded line 712-432-0990, pin 772719.
Be blessed,
