The Invitation to Pray

“But we must see the expectation to pray not only as a divine summons, but also a royal invitation.” – Donald S. Whitney, The Spiritual Disciplines

One of the things that is so wonderful about the Christian Faith is that we are able to go before God in prayer, and He promises us through his word that he will hear us.

If I close the sky so there is no rain, or if I command the grasshopper to consume the land, or if I send pestilence on My people, and My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. – 2 Chronicles 7:13-14

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8

 Not only can we choose to go before God, he invites us to come to him. He asks to seek him out. This becomes an invitation from our Lord Jesus to come and spend time with him. He longs for us to come. Sin is the barrier that keeps us from God. Because of this barrier, God sent his only son Jesus to remove that barrier.

God is so madly passionately in love with us he sacrificed his own son so once again we could enter into his holy presence.

 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to the confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time. – Hebrews 4:14-16

Why do we have such a hard time with the discipline of prayer? Why do we find a thousand excuses to do something else? You can go to any Christian books store and you will find hundreds of books on prayer. Is it really that difficult?

Don’t get me wrong; books on prayer can be a great resource. I read them myself. Prayer really is simply talking with God.

We must be careful that we don’t go before God as beggars simply asking that all of our needs be met.

Jesus is not our fix-it man. We need to go in a position of repentance and humility. Prayer is more about positioning ourselves so that we can live out his complete and perfect will.

God cares about our needs but he has something greater for us. He desires for us to dwell in his presence. So let us take up his royal invitation and seek him out daily through prayer. And may our lives become to look more like Jesus every day!

 What are you praying for today? Is there something I can pray for you? 

How can I pray for you this week? – click here to send me your request

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Photo is my own: Monastery of the Holy Spirit, Conyers GA

About the Author: Jon Stallings

I am enthusiastic about helping others discover their purpose and grow into a deeper relationship with Jesus. It is great to see their eyes light up at their “Ah Ha!” moment when they discover they were created for something more. My hope is that this blog will help encourage and inspire you along your way. Join the conversation and take the time to share with me your own story. I have been married to my beautiful wife Janice for over 30 years. We currently live in McDonough Georgia with our daughter. Our two boys have left the nest and we have two wonderful grand kids. Of course we cannot forget about our dog Bear.