Theology of prayer

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Theology of prayer

Drawing Close to God

Dr. Terrence Threadwell

Definition of PrayerPrayer is an invocation or act that seeks to activate a

rapport with a deity, an object of worship, or a spiritual entity through deliberate communication. Prayer can be a form of religious practice, may be either individual or communal and take place in public or in private. It may

involve the use of words or song. When language is used, prayer may take the form of a hymn, incantation, formal creed, or a spontaneous utterance in the praying

person. There are different forms of prayer such as petitionary prayer, prayers of supplication, thanksgiving,

and worship/praise.

The Hebrew word for prayer is tefilah. Meaning to judge oneself. This surprising word origin provides insight into the purpose of Jewish prayer. The most important part of any Jewish prayer is the examination of our thoughts and feelings it provides, as we look inside ourselves, seeing our role in the universe and our relationship to God.

The Greek word Proseúxomai– literally, to interact with the Lord by switching human wishes (ideas) for His wishes as He imparts faith ("divine persuasion"). Accordingly, praying

Direct petitions to GodFrom Biblical times to today, the most common form of prayer is to directly appeal to God to grant one's requests. This in many ways is the simplest form of prayer. Some have termed this the social approach to prayer. In this view, a person directly enters into God's rest, and asks for their needs to be fulfilled. God listens to the prayer, and may so or not choose to answer in the way one asks of him. This is the primary approach to prayer found in the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament, most of the Church writings, and in rabbinic literature such as the Talmud.

Educational approachIn this view, prayer is not a conversation. Rather, it is meant to inculcate certain attitudes in the one who prays, but not to influence. Several Rabbis favor this genre of prayer.

Among Christian theologians, E.M. Bounds stated the educational purpose of prayer in every chapter of his book, The Necessity of Prayer. Prayer books such as the Book of Common Prayer are both a result of this approach and an exhortation to keep it.

Rationalist approachIn this view, the ultimate goal of prayer is to help train a person to focus on divinity through philosophy and intellectual contemplation. This approach was taken by the Jewish scholar and philosopher Maimonides and the other medieval rationalists; it became popular in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic intellectual circles, but never became the most popular understanding of prayer among the laity in any of these faiths. In all three of these faiths today, a significant minority of people still hold to this approach.

Experiential approachIn this approach, the purpose of prayer is to enable the person praying to gain a direct experience of the recipient of the prayer (or as close to direct as a specific theology permits). This approach is very significant in Christianity and widespread in Judaism (although less popular theologically). In Eastern Orthodoxy, this approach is known as hesychasm. It is also widespread in Sufi Islam, and in some forms of mysticism. The person prays with the heart, no words are spoken.

Transformative approachIn this approach, prayer enables an existential transformation in the person praying. The act of praying elicits a new kind of understanding which wasn't apparent before praying. The Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard wrote that "the function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays."

Relational ApproachSome look upon God as the CEO, others as a co-laborer, but when it comes to prayer I need to see him as a Father who loves me and desires fellowship. Prayer then becomes a conversation

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• Prayer is relational

Prayer is RelationalWe may not realize it but God wants to be your lover, and we in turn should be in love with Him. God wants us to be totally consumed with each other, giving him our total attention. How more compatible could we be, being made in the image and likeness? So what happened in the garden? In Genesis 3:8-9 we read, “ And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. Then the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, "Where are you?" The Hebrew speaks of God thundering through the garden like a mighty wind—doesn’t sound much like a lover. It does if you’re the partner in the relationship that has been jilted. “And He walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own, and the joy we share as we tarry there none other has ever known.” Adam exchanges this closeness for fruit and greater knowledge.

Prayer then is a way of life.

Prayer then is a way of life.Prayer is how God relates to us, how we relate to God and others.

Prayer then is a way of life.Prayer is how God relates to us, how we relate to God and others. Prayer begins with God.

Prayer then is a way of life.Prayer is how God relates to us, how we relate to God and others. Prayer begins with God. Prayer is a response to the inner workings of the Spirit within us. God’s desire for us ignites the spark of our desire for God.

Prayer then is a way of life.Prayer is how God relates to us, how we relate to God and others. Prayer begins with God. Prayer is a response to the inner workings of the Spirit within us. God’s desire for us ignites the spark of our desire for God. Prayer is the concrete expression of the fact that we are invited into a relationship with God.

Prayer then is a way of life.Prayer is how God relates to us, how we relate to God and others. Prayer begins with God. Prayer is a response to the inner workings of the Spirit within us. God’s desire for us ignites the spark of our desire for God. Prayer is the concrete expression of the fact that we are invited into a relationship with God. Prayer is talking with God and listening to God about what we are doing together.

Prayer then is a way of life.Prayer is how God relates to us, how we relate to God and others. Prayer begins with God. Prayer is a response to the inner workings of the Spirit within us. God’s desire for us ignites the spark of our desire for God. Prayer is the concrete expression of the fact that we are invited into a relationship with God. Prayer is talking with God and listening to God about what we are doing together.Prayer is the knitting of the human heart together with the heart of God.

Prayer then is a way of life.Prayer is how God relates to us, how we relate to God and others. Prayer begins with God. Prayer is a response to the inner workings of the Spirit within us. God’s desire for us ignites the spark of our desire for God. Prayer is the concrete expression of the fact that we are invited into a relationship with God. Prayer is talking with God and listening to God about what we are doing together.Prayer is the knitting of the human heart together with the heart of God. Prayer doesn’t change God it changes us.

The apostle Paul said that the Spirit “helps us in our weakness” and “intercedes with sighs too deep for words” (Rom. 8:26) The Spirit prays in us and for us. Perhaps our real task in prayer is to attune ourselves to the conversation already going on deep in our hearts and in our core of being. Thomas Merton … “the great thing is prayer. Prayer itself. If you want a life of prayer, the way to get it is by praying… You start where you are and you deepen what you already have.”

Søren Kierkegaard stated, “A man prayed and at first he thought that prayer was talking. But he became more and more quiet until in the end he realized that prayer is listening.”

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• Abiding in his presence

4 "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. (Joh 15:4 NKJ)

We abide throughPrayer

Sacraments

The Master, Jesus, on the night of his betrayal, took bread. Having given thanks, he broke it and said, this is my body, broken for you. Do this to remember me. After supper, he did the same thing with the cup: This cup is my blood, my new covenant with you. Each time you drink this cup, remember me. What you must solemnly realize is that every time you eat this bread and every time you drink this cup, you reenact in your words and actions the death of the Master. You will be drawn back to this meal again and again until the Master returns. (1 Cor 11:23. MSG)

11 "And they burn to the LORD every morning and every evening burnt sacrifices and sweet incense; they also set the showbread in order on the pure gold table, and the lampstand of gold with its lamps to burn every evening; for we keep the command of the LORD our God, but you have forsaken Him. (2Ch 13:11 NKJ)

“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is My body." Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. "For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. "But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom." (Mat 26:26-29 NKJ) “ And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me." Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you. (Luk 22:19-20 NKJ)

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, "Lord, are You washing my feet?" Jesus answered and said to him, "What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this." Peter said to Him, "You shall never wash my feet!" Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me." (Joh 13:3-8 NKJ)

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• Teach us to pray

"In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. (Mat 6:9-13 NKJ)

"In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. (Mat 6:9-13 NKJ)

"And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. "Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. (Mat 6:7-8 NKJ)

Don’t be repetitiveDon’t use unnecessary words

The Lord’s Prayer is preceded by a warning

Pagans, Greeks, Romans and even the Jews used long, chaotic, wordy prayers. The Jews wouldn’t speak the name of God thinking it showed reverence.

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Do you thus deal with the LORD, O foolish and unwise people? Is He not your Father, who bought you? Has He not made you and established you? (Deu 32:6 NKJ)Doubtless You are our Father, Though Abraham was ignorant of us, And Israel does not acknowledge us. You, O LORD, are our Father; Our Redeemer from Everlasting is Your name. (Isa 63:16 NKJ)

"But I said:`How can I put you among the children And give you a pleasant land, A beautiful heritage of the hosts of nations?' "And I said:`You shall call Me, "My Father," And not turn away from Me.' (Jer 3:19 NKJ)

Malachi asked the question, "A son honors his father, And a servant his master. If then I am the Father, Where is My honor?” (Mal 1:6 NKJ)

Later in the first century B.C. The Book of Wisdom contains a Messianic prophecy where it says, “his boast that God is his father.” (Wis 2:16 KJA)

“Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, `Show us the Father '? (Joh 14:9 NKJ)

• Kingdom Come—praying that the will of God come down on earth as it is in heaven


• Give us the day—the term is only used twice in the NT, asking God to supply all you might need for the day.



• Forgiveness—Foundational.



• Forgiveness—Foundational.• Lead us not into peril more that we can bear, and

keep us from the evil one.

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• Ancient methods of prayer

Silence and solitudeThen Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. (Mat 4:1-2 NKJ)

So he sent and had John beheaded in prison. And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. Then his disciples came and took away the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus. When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities. (Mat 14:10-13 NKJ)

Silence and solitudeNow after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. (Mat 17:1-3 NKJ) Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, "Sit here while I go and pray over there." (Mat 26:36 NKJ) Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles: (Luk 6:12-13 NKJ)

Silence and solitudeHowever, the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed. (Luk 5:15-16 NKJ)

Silence and solitudeThe reason Christians are to seek silence and solitude above all else is for the same reason Jesus did—to be able to hear from God.

LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. (1Ki 19:11-12 NKJ)

Sacred Reading—Lectio DivinaPs 119 1-8 You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God. You’re blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him. That’s right—you don’t go off on your own; you walk straight along the road he set. You, God, prescribed the right way to live; now you expect us to live it. Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course you set; Then I’d never have any regrets in comparing my life with your counsel. I thank you for speaking straight from your heart; I learn the pattern of your righteous ways. I’m going to do what you tell me to do; don’t ever walk off and leave me.

Sacred Reading—Lectio Divina

Fours Steps1. Reading2. Meditation3. Prayer4. Contemplation

Daily OfficeNow when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days. (Dan 6:10 NKJ)

Canonical hours are ancient divisions of time, developed by the Christian Church, serving as increments between the prescribed prayers of the daily round. A Book of Hours contains such a set of prayers.A book of hours is an illuminated, Christian devotional book that was popular among the Christians of Northern Europe during the Middle Ages.

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• Prayer warfare

Daily OfficeNot only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (Rom 8:23-27 NKJ)

Prayer is heavenlyFor we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand……….18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints--and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, (Eph 6:12-19 NKJ)

Prayer is persistentSo Ahab went up to eat and drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; then he bowed down on the ground, and put his face between his knees, and said to his servant, "Go up now, look toward the sea." So he went up and looked, and said, "There is nothing." And seven times he said, "Go again." Then it came to pass the seventh time, that he said, "There is a cloud, as small as a man's hand, rising out of the sea!" So he said, "Go up, say to Ahab, `Prepare your chariot, and go down before the rain stops you.'" (1Ki 18:42-44 NKJ)Prayer is effectiveConfess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. (Jam 5:16 NKJ)

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Theology of prayer