Praying by Precept & ExampleSample

The Ministry of Prayer

"Then Jesus told His disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up." (Luke 18:1 NIV)

Prayer is an essential part of the believer’s life. The Scriptures provide numerous instructions emphasizing its importance. Luke 18:1 declares, "And He spoke a parable to them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint." Similarly, Ephesians 6:18 urges us to be "praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." Prayer is a constant practice for the believer, and it deserves the attention and study that Scripture gives it.

In this series, we aim to explore some key aspects of prayer and its significance in the believer's life. Let us begin by examining a foundational parable on prayer:

The Content of Prayer Matters

Luke 18:9-14 records Jesus’ parable:
"To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 'Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

This parable reveals a profound truth about prayer. While both men were praying, the Lord’s focus was not merely on the act of prayer but on its content. Prayer, while inherently good, must align with God’s heart and purpose to be effective. Jesus reinforced this principle in Matthew 6:7: "When you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think they will be heard for their many words." Prayer is not about the length or repetition of words but the posture of the heart.

The Character of God in Prayer

An important aspect of understanding prayer is recognizing God’s character. James 1:5 describes God’s generosity: "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." The word "generously" reflects God’s large-heartedness, His willingness to give without conditions. To "find fault" means to revile or criticize, but God does neither. This is His nature—gracious and compassionate.

Consider the story of Hagar in Genesis 21:16-17: "She went off and sat down about a bowshot away, for she thought, ‘I cannot watch the boy die.’ And as she sat there, she began to sob. God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, ‘What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there.’" Even in her despair, God’s grace reached out to her. Similarly, many who sought Jesus for healing were not believers, yet He healed them. Even Malchus, who was part of the group that arrested Jesus, was healed by Him. God’s character is one of unwavering grace and compassion.

Prayer Beyond Answers

Often, prayer is mistakenly reduced to seeking answers. While God graciously answers prayers, the ministry of prayer goes deeper. It begins with understanding God’s plans and purposes on the earth. Prayer aligns us with His will, allowing us to participate in His redemptive work.

Prayer is not just an act; it is a ministry that connects us to God’s purposes and reveals His heart. Let us walk in this truth as we grow in our understanding of the ministry of prayer.

The uniqueness of prayer in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ lies in its purpose. It is not primarily about receiving but about communion with God and alignment with His purposes. As we study the ministry of prayer, we will address three key questions:

1. Why do we pray?
2. What should our prayers contain?
3. How should we pray?

Through these questions, we will uncover the depth and richness of the ministry of prayer.