Formed Through Prayer: Discovering God's Nearness

Prayer is a universal phenomenon that transcends religious boundaries. From Catholics reciting poetic prayers to Muslims chanting the Qur'an, from Jews placing notes in the Wailing Wall to Buddhists seeking enlightenment through meditation - prayer is woven into the fabric of human existence. Even in an increasingly secular world, prayer remains a constant. Gallup research shows that more Americans pray in a given week than exercise, drive, have sex, or go to work. Nearly half of the population in post-Christian America still admits to praying daily.

Yet, for many, including devoted Christians, prayer can feel lifeless, boring, or confusing. It's time to dive deeper into the transformative power of prayer and explore why we pray, why we don't pray, why we should pray, and how we can pray more effectively.

Why Would We Pray?

1. Because we're anxious: In a world filled with corruption, wars, and violence, anxiety has become the soundtrack of modern life. Prayer offers a way to address our anxieties and fears.
2. Because we want to trust in something greater: We long to know that there's something - or someone - bigger and better than us. Prayer connects us to a God who is both greater and more benevolent than we can imagine.
3. Because we need a safe place to struggle: Prayer provides a space where we can be honest about our messy thoughts and emotions. The Psalms demonstrate this beautifully, containing everything from cries of anguish to expressions of rage, alongside praises and thanksgiving.

Why Don't We Pray?

While busyness and distractions are often cited as reasons for not praying, the deeper issue may be fear:

1. Fear of losing control: Prayer requires admitting that we are not in control, which can be scary.
2. Fear of silence: In a world addicted to noise, the quiet of prayer can be unsettling. It forces us to confront the realities of our lives and the depth (or lack thereof) of our relationship with God.
3. Fear of doing it wrong: Comparing our prayers to others can make us feel inadequate, leading us to avoid prayer altogether.

Why Should We Pray?

Many pray for unsustainable reasons:

1. For religiosity: Prayer out of mere obligation lacks substance and won't nourish the soul.
2. For reward: Praying only to get something from God misses the point of building a relationship.
3. For remorse: If we only pray when we've messed up, we risk building a relationship based on guilt and shame.

Instead, we should pray for relationship. The apostle Paul, in Philippians 4:5-7, begins his instruction on prayer with a profound statement: "The Lord is near." This truth is the foundation for powerful prayer. When we truly believe that God is near and desires to be with us, it transforms our approach to prayer.

How Do We Pray?

The key to developing a life of prayer is practice. As Richard Foster said, "By praying we learn to pray." Mother Teresa instructed, "If we really mean to pray and want to pray we must be ready to do it now."

Here are some practical tips:

1. Pray as you can, not as you can't: If you struggle to focus at home, try praying while running errands or exercising.
2. Be honest: If you're filled with doubt or disappointment, tell God about it. He can handle your raw emotions.
3. Start where you are: If praise feels forced, begin with your complaints or confusion. God welcomes all of it.
4. Keep showing up: Consistency is key. As you continue to pray, you'll discover the nearness of God and His love for you.

Remember, God's nearness and love are His part of the deal. Your part is simply to show up honestly and keep showing up.

By praying we learn to pray. – Richard Foster

The Power of Vulnerability in Prayer

The Psalms provide a beautiful example of the raw honesty we can bring to prayer. Consider these contrasting passages:

"Let burning coals fall down on their heads. Let them be thrown into the fire or into watery pits from which they can't escape." (Psalm 140:10)

"The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul." (Psalm 23:1-3)

Both were written by David, described as "a man after God's own heart." This shows us that prayer isn't about presenting a polished version of ourselves to God. It's about bringing our whole selves - the good, the bad, and the ugly - into His presence.

The Promise of Peace

Paul promises that as we pray, "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7). This peace isn't based on our circumstances or our ability to pray eloquently. It's grounded in the character of God and His nearness to us.

As we cultivate a life of prayer, we may find that it doesn't always remove our anxieties immediately. Sometimes, prayer uncovers fears we've been trying to ignore. But as we persist in bringing these fears to God, we open ourselves to experiencing His peace in deeper ways.

A Call to Adventure

Prayer is an invitation to adventure - to swim in the depths of divine intimacy. It's a call to move beyond a surface-level faith and explore the richness of a genuine relationship with God. For some, this series might feel like a bucket of cold water, awakening them from spiritual slumber. For others, it might be an encouragement to dive even deeper into the practices they've already begun.

Regardless of where you find yourself - whether you're a seasoned prayer warrior, a skeptical observer, or somewhere in between - the invitation is the same: draw near to the God who is already near to you. Discover for yourself the transformative power of prayer. It's not something that can be fully explained or understood secondhand; it must be experienced.

As you embark on this journey of prayer, remember that God isn't looking for perfection. He's looking for presence. Your honest, consistent showing up is the key to unlocking a vibrant prayer life. So start where you are, pray as you can, and watch as God reveals His nearness and love in ways that transcend your understanding.

Here are 5 next steps that you can consider taking as you seek to be formed in prayer:

1. Daily Prayer Practice: Set aside a specific time each day for personal prayer, even if it's just a few minutes. Begin by simply showing up and being honest with God about where you are—express your worries, gratitude, or any emotions you’re experiencing.
2. Embrace Silence and Stillness: Incorporate moments of silence into your prayer routine. Start by setting a timer for a few minutes to sit quietly, allowing yourself to be open to God’s presence without the need for words or distractions.
3. Pray in Different Settings: If traditional prayer settings feel challenging, try praying while engaging in other activities. This could be during a walk, while exercising, or even while doing household chores. Use these moments to commune with God in a more natural way.
4. Use Prayer Journaling: Write down your prayers in a journal. This can help focus your thoughts and allow you to reflect on your conversations with God over time. Write about your fears, hopes, and experiences, and read back through them to see how your relationship with God evolves.
5. Community Prayer and Feedback: Join a prayer group or find a prayer partner within your community. Share your experiences and listen to others. This can offer new perspectives and encouragement, especially for those who fear doing prayer "wrong." It creates a space for mutual learning and support.