Have you ever learned a foreign language? I chose French in junior high, but then I switched to Spanish during young adulthood in college. The key when learning a new language is practice, practice, practice! This is also true for public speaking. The first thing my public speaking professor urged us to do was practice. When we repeat something over and over, it becomes habitual—a daily response that becomes natural instinct.
Two years ago I was blessed to hear an impacting message. A few parts absolutely shook me! I viewed some things from a whole new perspective—namely prayer.
Prayer is a foreign language here on earth. This world is not geared toward speaking in prayer as a fallen, sinful world, therefore it is not a language we speak naturally. However, once we are reborn of the Spirit, our citizenship no longer lies here in this world. We become citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, and we have to learn the language of our new home—prayer. Like any other foreign language, it takes practice. And we have to understand it and utilize it correctly, which takes time as we continuously learn and mature, again, just like any other language learned. If you aren’t speaking the language, that causes the question, “Where are you dwelling?”
I can relate to this thoroughly. If you’ve read my story, you know I grew up as my version of a “Christian,” but not a genuine convert. And I didn’t really pray unless I needed something. Don’t we tend to do that, though? I see it amongst family members. We don’t talk to each other until something comes up that we are forced to address—often when we need something. We take on this concept with our Father as well. But think of the absolute closest person to you. Maybe it’s your spouse, your children, your mom or your best friend. You don’t just ignore them, you tell them everything! And when you fail to communicate, problems arise. So is communication with your Father. We have to learn to be open with Him, come to Him first and foremost with every decision, event, idea, response, etc.. This is something I am constantly working on, as I am still forgetful to pause and communicate with Him before I act.
Nevertheless, we must not forget He is also our Sovereign Creator and Master. He is to be revered. We cannot act as if the Star-Breather, Life-Giver, Almighty God is One who needs our direction. In “How Great is Our God” Louie Giglio says, “Most of my praying had been advising God, correcting God, suggesting things to God, drawing diagrams for God, reviewing things with God, counseling God,” but realizes he was completely missing God’s grandeur. I highly advise you to watch that video here.
Without going too deep, because prayer can be an extensive study all its own, let’s touch on a few basics. Scripture offers us several passages about prayer. The first that comes to mind is Matthew 6:5-15. Here Jesus provides some insight and a model prayer—
“’And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
‘And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this:
‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.’”
In this passage we see prayer is genuine, intimate communication with God. Not a show to put on in front of others, but a time to have communion with Him. Jesus was referring to religious leaders—mostly Pharisees—who would put on ostentatious display. “Jesus did not condemn all public prayer, as indicated by his own prayers in public. One’s internal motivation is the central concern…Though public prayer has value, prayer completely away from public view allows a person (or group) to focus more exclusively on God” (ESV Study Bible). Jesus follows by offering an example prayer. This prayer is a great study to tackle, breaking down each part to understand its petitions in proper context. I highly encourage each of you to pursue this study.
Some other verses to note and study include:
“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.”
There are many, many more, and I encourage everyone to research Scripture about prayer.
The one thing I do want to point out specifically, however, is praying God’s will.
The Word of Faith movement and Law of Attraction are infiltrating the Christian church. These New Age practices (click here to learn more about New Age) are a few examples of false teaching that Christians should be extremely guarded against. For more about this aspect of prayer, I have written about such here.
When all’s said and done, we must ask ourselves, “Am I speaking my native tongue? Do I know it fluently?”
References:
Giglio, Louie. 2021. How Great is Our God. Retrieved October 21, 2021, from https://youtu.be/X1rPalyUshw
English Standard Version Study Bible. 2016. Crossway
Elias, Rosa. 2021. OPINION: CHRISTIANS SHOULD REJECT THE “NEW AGE” MOVEMENT. Retrieved October 21, 2021, from https://www.liberty.edu/champion/2021/04/opinion-christians-should-reject-the-new-age-movement/
All Scripture (unless otherwise noted): English Standard Version Bible. 2021. BibleHub.com and
English Standard Version Bible. 2016. Crossway