Definition
Simply defined, prayer is conversation with God. We pray to build relationship with God and to bring His kingdom here.
Relationship
One reason we pray is to grow in relationship with God. We are created for relationship with our Creator and we don’t function in the optimal way unless we are in communion with Him. We are created in God’s image—who is a God of relationship. God Himself loves relationship.
We get a glimpse into this value of His in the interaction between the Father, Son, and Spirit. They all worked together in relationship when they created life on planet earth (Genesis 1). We see this again in Psalm 2:8 when the Father says to Jesus, “ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession.”
The most important part of prayer is cultivating intimacy with God. It is not mostly about a duty imposed to accomplish a task. Rather, it is mostly about enjoying spending time with God.
Kingdom
The other part of prayer is to bring His kingdom to earth. When we pray we touch heaven. And when heaven comes to earth, everything changes. People in positions of authority can bring about change—and quickly.
Jesus “has made us kings and priests to His God and Father.” (Revelation 1:6) We are royalty! When we pray we enter the courts of heaven and make decrees with Jesus. We are invited to join Jesus who “forever lives to make intercession.” (Hebrews 7:25) What a glorious privilege! We are invited to participate in the family dynamics of God!
Authority
This is part of our identity. This governmental-like function of God’s people is what Jesus was talking about when He said that on this rock, [revelation that Jesus is the Messiah] “I will build My church and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18) The word he used here to say “church” is “ecclesia.” This word means an assembly, council, or called-out ones. It is a governmental term. The ecclesia was a ruling body—a type of governmental authority in that time.
This “Church” that God is building is a people. A people of prayer. Not a building. The word “synagogue” already existed to define the building for a religious gathering. He chose to use a different word (ecclesia) to describe something else. We are what God is building up. A prevailing people.
Prayer
Wow! God, thank you that you love me so much and desire relationship with me! Stir me up God! Reveal to me more of just how much You love me so that I would desire you more and more!
I ask for a greater revelation of intercession! Reveal to me who I am as a king and a priest! Thank you for this great honor! Teach me more about prayer, Jesus! I want all that you have to give me! I gladly choose to make spending time with you a priority because I want to know You more! I love you God! In Jesus' name amen!
Part 2 coming tomorrow!
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