The Essentiality of Prayer

By: Ben F Vick

Prayer is communion with God. It is the expression of the heart to God. Paul wrote, "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved" (Romans 1:10). Prayer is talking to God. It may be aloud or in whispered tones. It may be just a sentence or it may continue through the night. It may be a private prayer in one's closet or a public prayer on behalf of many. It may be a prayer of thanksgiving, supplication or intercession for another.

Prayer is the privilege of the Christian. All spiritual blessings are in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). One of the blessed privileges as a Christian is prayer. John wrote, "Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth" (John 9:31). Though these words were spoken by the blind man, the Jews did not refute his words. Peter wrote, "For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil" (I Peter 3:12).

Prayer is commanded. Is it not strange that such a powerful privilege as prayer is commanded? Though the miraculous has ceased, prayer has caused armies to flee, held up the rain, brought the rain, provided streams of water in the deserts, calmed the storms, brought fire down from heaven, opened prison doors, healed the sick, raised the dead, caused the blind to see, and the lame to walk. Jesus said, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" (Matthew 7:7-11).

Prayer is to be continuous. By that I mean, we are to continue in prayer (Colossians 4:2). Paul wrote, "Pray without ceasing" (I Thessalonians 5:17). The early church continued steadfastly in prayer (Acts 4:2). The early church prayed continuously for Peter when he was in prison. Luke records, "Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him" (Acts 12:5). The marginal note on the word "prayer" says, "instant and earnest prayer was made." The whole church was praying urgently and earnestly on behalf of Peter.

Prayer is a time to confess our sins. As children of God, we sin. John said it; it is a fact; and we know it. However, as a child of God I can approach my heavenly Father through Jesus my mediator to confess my sins. John wrote, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us" (I John 1:8-10). Peter told Simon, "Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee" (Acts 8:22). Under the Old Law, Daniel said, "And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments..." (Daniel 9:3-4).

Prayer cannot be confined to one location, time or event. Prayers have been said on mountain tops, on the seas, in prisons and gardens, in assemblies, in lions' dens, and a whale's belly. They are not confined to church buildings, cathedrals, or closets. They are said in the evening and morning and at noon. They are said in pews, at bedsides and gravesites. We pray when there is reason to rejoice; we pray when we are caused to sorrow. The birth of a child, a milestone reached by a son or daughter, a marriage begun are all reasons to pray.  We pray when sickness comes, suffering hits or the unwelcome guest of death visits our pleasant homes, and a loved one's body is carried to the silent city of the dead. Oh where shall we turn? To whom shall we go? The apostle Paul wrote, "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:15-16). He who has suffered is able to help us when we are suffering.

Prayer is comforting. When we feel that no one else understands, God does. Peter wrote, "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you" (I Peter 5:7). Paul while in prison (did you get that? While in prison) ... wrote to the church at Philippi, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians4:6-7).