Thoughts On Speaking To God
ATTITUDES OF PRAYER
When man was created in
"the image of God" he was made with God-consciousness, though many fight against that and seek always to
deny God ---those who want only their own will. Some men are
indifferent, ignore Him while pursuing their own interests; some are
religious and make their own god and worship him; and some have a
casual interest and allow the Creator, show respect, and may bow their head at times and "say a prayer" they have heard. One has said: there are no non-believers (all believe something ---even professing Atheists), but there are many who ignore God, and do not want to submit themselves to their Creator, pray to Him, and have Him lead them ---even for good.
The Christian faith displays a fulfillment and the hope of the Jew's religion (Israelites), and some souls come to God by Jesus, the Christ; but most Jews reject that and pray directly to Jehovah. Islam, which came forth years after the Israelite faith began, and in time developed their guide book: the Koran ---from the teachings of a man named: Muhammad; and which in many ways is made similar to both Israel's religion and the Christian faith, and which set up their own prophet and a book to explain the history and type of god they wanted to show and worship. There are many such imitations in the world.
Man's relationship with our Creator is brought to mind often in our sojourn through this world. Sometimes men speak against God, but cry to "the unknown god" (Acts 17:23) in times of urgent need. Sometimes men are humbled by circumstances and acknowledge God. Attitudes do not diminish the Creator, but may preclude the blessings God wants to give man. It is so very strange that some would try so hard to keep God from saving their soul for eternity, and blessing them all the days of their life and forever with God in Heaven. It is strange indeed that man would risk all by assuming he knows more about the hereafter than the Creator.
Every cry to God by man might be considered a prayer, and it appears from Scripture that the only prayer by unregenerate man that is regarded by God, is
a prayer of repentance and for mercy (Psa. 18:6; Luke 18:10-14; John 9:31). God looks on the heart to see if one is calling upon God in sincerity and truth, or only seeking powers to deliver him from some trouble, or seeking gain.
There are prayers and there are times of prayer, and there is the act of praying to be considered. It is hardly acceptable in praying to God to just read or recite a prayer, for He seeks communion and devotion. Our prayers need to be the heart speaking to God.
In prayer there is petition, praise, and communion. One might enjoy a time of conversation and praise in a private way for much blessing, and rejoice in their blessings and give thanks to the Lord. At a prayer meeting or at home one might petition the Lord for special mercies and needs for other souls. Young believers ought not to think they must formulate a prayer; rather to reverently speak to the Lord from the heart.
Some Christians hold to different forms and meanings concerning prayer. We might say there is petition and supplication, and practice and spirit concerning prayer. The first speaks of the act and the second speaks of the state or attitude. In Ephesians 6:18 we can see an overview of this subject:
"Praying with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints". The word "praying" here refers to the state or attitude, and "prayer" refers to the act, it appears. So the thought here seems to be: having that prayerful state of soul to petition, and humbly and earnestly requesting (the act) through the Holy Spirit, and exercising care thereunto (the state) with all perseverance and earnestness for all saints.
So, what is the prayer of a true believer ---a child of God? Is it just for care, comforts, and blessings? Is there any thought of thankfulness and devotion? Let us meditate on the attitude of prayer, and consider what the Lord Jesus showed in Matthew 6: 9 as an example of a sincere prayer. It remains then to see if there be also a heart for God, and a Godly and holy mind in speaking to God, or only the recitation of a prayer statement---recitations are not profitable. Effective prayer is not so much the words used, but the intent of the heart --true worship. The Lord Jesus showed the manner of faithful prayer (not the words), and we might pause and meditate on each acknowledgement:
'Our Father' (the need to acknowledge God as the Creator and Progenitor of man, and a loving father to His own children); 'which art in heaven' (knowing Him not as men or like man on earth with limitations, but almighty from heaven and eternal); 'hallowed be Thy name' (which should speak of the holiness--purity of God contrasted with man); 'Thy kingdom come' (a desire in submission to have God establish His kingdom, and reign over man by His Son who is made Lord over all); 'Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven' (does one really want that---God's will in all things, and worship, obedience, and honor to His Son?); 'give us this day our daily bread' (being thankful for all good provisions and the mercies of God?); 'and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors' (thankfully this does not apply to salvation of our soul, but to our life and walk in the world); 'and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil' (properly this might be "allow us not" into temptation); 'for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory for ever' (giving homage and praise to God); 'Amen' (means: let it be so)."
What a privilege the saints of God have today as a "holy priesthood" to enter through "the veil" rent (Mt.27:51) to the throne of grace. What comfort it is to speak to our Father and to know it is
"well pleasing" in His sight that we should do this.
This all speaks of reverence for God, and is the attitude of a sincere man. God, who knows the heart, may then reveal His great salvation and blessings in His beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ---the hope of the world (see John 3:16). - R. L. DeWitt, '06.
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