How would you fill in the blank of this statement?
_______________ is the key to everything we need to do and be in life.
Many of us might choose faith, obedience to God, or perseverance.
But according to Pastor/author Timothy Keller, the answer is prayer [1].
He would have us understand that “there is nothing more important . . . or richer, or more life-altering as prayer. There is absolutely nothing so great as prayer” [2].
However, Keller readily admits that prayer is hard. It’s a discipline to stay focused on Someone invisible. Not only do distractions cause interference, but doubts produce discouragement, and disappointments over prayers not answered (as we’d hoped) can breed demoralization.
It’s easy to put this key aside and “let God be God” without our participation.
Oh, what we miss.
Puritan preacher and writer John Bunyan would have us understand:
That is, through prayer, every cranny of our lives is impacted by his uplifting influence—our personalities, thoughts, choices, circumstances, and more. Through prayer he fills us with the totality of his excellencies and his empowering presence.
Could anything be more sublime?
In addition, we can enjoy these blessings:
Prayer makes a sour heart sweet, a sad heart merry, a poor heart rich, a foolish heart wise, a timid heart courageous, a sick heart well, a blind heart full of vision, a cold heart ardent. For it draws down the great God into the little heart; it drives the hungry soul up to the plentitude of God; it brings together those two lovers, God and the soul.
— Mechthild of Madgeburg, a 13th century German woman, a mystic
Could anything be more satisfying?
To be honest though, there are days when my prayer time is more discipline than delight. I need an attitude-adjustment through review of such benefits as listed above, reminders of what prayer is supposed to be in the first place, and the positive outcomes of prayer.
What Prayer Is Supposed to Be
First, let’s address what prayer is not.
Prayer is meant to be an intimate, personal encounter with God himself, the King of the universe. We so easily forget what a precious gift this is, a privilege beyond comprehension.
In addition, prayer is meant to be a “link between his will and its accomplishment on earth. Amazing things happen, and we are given the privilege of being the channels of the Holy Spirit’s prayer” (Elisabeth Elliot).
Could anything provide greater honor?
Contemplation of such realities will surely renew our pleasure in prayer and produce joyful anticipation for what’s to come: amazement in our answered prayers.
The Impact of Prayer
Regardless of what the answers might be, prayer:
- fortifies human weakness with divine strength
- transforms human irrationality into godly wisdom
- gives to troubled minds the peace of God
- unlocks the deepest joy
- develops our friendship with God
- augments our ability to discern the mind of God [3]
Those are life-transforming outcomes! And no doubt we could list more.
No wonder Timothy Keller named prayer as the key to everything.
* * * * * * * * * *
Thank You, Father, for allowing us the privilege of prayer. What additional proof do we need of your marvelous loving kindness? Help us to use this gift wisely throughout this day [4].
[1] Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God, 18.
[2] Ibid, 32.
[3] The first three results from Charles Spurgeon, Morning by Morning, 287; points #4 & #5 from Sara Hagerty, Unseen, 201, 207; Point #6 from Oswald Chambers.
[4] Based on a prayer of Charles Spurgeon, Morning by Morning, 287.
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From the Inside Out 