What Is Prayer?

What is prayer?

It seems obvious, but it isn't.

I did some research to see how well-known Christian ministries define prayer. If you do the same, I expect you'll find this basic definition: prayer is talking to or communicating with God.

I agree, but this way of discussing prayer needs to be clarified.

Because saying that "prayer is talking to God" can confuse.

Let's go over this. I ask, "What's prayer?"

You say, "Prayer is talking to God like any other person."

Ok, I got it.

Then you explain, "Except that God is unique, holy, awesome, and invisible."

Ok, wait a second. Slow down.

It's like you told me that basketball involves dribbling and shooting. You even let me hold a basketball.

Cool, I'm ready to play.

Then you add a twist: in the actual game, the ball is invisible, and I'll be playing against LeBron James. Also, LeBron will be wearing an invisibility cloak.

The basketball concept is still there, but playing the game has become slightly more challenging.

Second, this definition places all the initiative on me. Let's say I want to pray.

Ok, I guess I should say something to God. I hope he's listening. And not feeling judgmental today. And man, I hope this will do something, somehow. But maybe I should stop praying and focus on taking action. That seems more practical.

I appreciate the simplicity: prayer is talking with God.

But it raises so many complicated questions.

**So I want to suggest a different definition:**

**Prayer is experiencing the presence of God.**

For starters, this approach assumes that God is already with us.

After all, Jesus promised, "I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

And Paul prayed, "I pray that the Father may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in your inner being through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith."

In other words, Paul is asking God that his brothers and sisters in Christ might have faith to experience that they are already rooted and established in the love of the Triune God.

**God's Nearness**

When we say, "Prayer is experiencing the presence of God," we recognize God's nearness.

The Father loves you. Jesus dwells in our hearts. The Spirit strengthens our inner being. Notice the repeated emphasis: God is acting to demonstrate his loving presence in our lives.

It's not about us talking. It's recognizing that God has made his home in our hearts.

**By Faith**

This definition clarifies how we pray: by faith.

If prayer is experiencing God's presence, it means we are trusting that God is already with us. It is an expression of our conviction that God loves us.

Prayer is an act of awareness. It's not an accomplishment or a tool to get something.

**Life with God**

To pray - anytime, anywhere - is to enjoy life with God!

I'm not sending a telegram to heaven, hoping to win the spiritual lottery.

It's far better: to pray is to personally recognize that I'm beloved, strengthened, and united to the Triune God of love.

What happens when you experience life in God's presence?

I find that I share my heart with God. I communicate with God about how I'm feeling, what I'm thinking, and the decisions I'm trying to make.

But here's the critical difference: I'm not speaking to God trying to get his attention. I'm not attempting to use his power for my agenda.

It's much simpler. The conversation takes place in the context of an abiding relationship. I already know that God is with me, and I am with God.