The Lutheran Ambassador - October 7, 1986
It is true that a Christian can
pray anywhere and at any time. Yet, our Lord's earthly life and His teaching
directs us to consider definite periods and places for prayer. There is
opportunity to pray regularly with others and there is opportunity to pray
alone.
v Congregational Prayer
As we observe the earthly life of our Lord, we note that the synagogue was a regular place of worship for him. In Luke 4:16, we read that it was His "custom" to go to the synagogue. Since the place of worship was to be a "house of prayer" (Isaiah 56:7), we may assume that prayer was a fundamental part of His activity in the synagogue.
In our Lord's first usage of the term "church" to describe the assembly of those trusting in Him as Messiah, He said "I will build My church" (Matthew 16:18). It is appropriate to ask what kind of church He builds. In the Book of Acts, it is evident that the kind of church our Lord builds is in large measure a praying church (e.g. Acts 1:14; 2:42; 3:1; 4:23-31; 6:4; etc). The New Testament church was sustained by united prayer.
What a privilege it is for us to pray with others. The prayer meeting is the "hour of power" in any congregation. There are distinct promises from our Lord in regard to united praying. In Matthew 18:19, we read, for example, "Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven."
Many of us need a renewal in recognition of the importance of congregational prayer. For many congregations, it is sadly noted that the prayer meeting is the least frequented activity. We sincerely believe that if more of our congregations could be truly characterized as "praying congregations", we would see a tremendous difference in terms of spiritual effectiveness. The degree of blessing our AFLC has enjoyed in its short years is in large part attributable to the prayers of God's people. May God awaken in us a greater sense of dependence upon Him leading to much more prayer together.
v Personal Prayer
Not only was the house of worship a regular place of prayer for our Lord, but we observe Him often seeking a quiet place apart from others. Our Lord called His followers to seek a place where they would be ndisturbed. In Matthew 6:6, we read, "Go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you." Prayer requires a place where we can think undisturbed, where we can freely express ourselves and tell God all that is upon our hearts. Do you have such a quiet place? Our personal situations vary and may call for some creativity in finding that special place. Regardless, personal prayer is a rich opportunity afforded us by our gracious God. May He find us in that place frequently.
Certainly, as mentioned above, we can pray wherever we are. Prayer doesn't require a certain posture or a certain room. Sir Thomas Brown, a great Christian physician, said: "I have resolved to pray more and to pray always; to pray in all places where quietness inviteth; in the house, on the highway, and in the street, and to know no street, or passage in this city that may not witness that I have not forgotten God." It is not the place of pray that is all-important: it is the spirit of prayer as given by God that is so fundamental. The Apostle Paul exhorted: "Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension." (1 Tim. 2:8). The place of prayer is, after all, where you are.
v Congregational Prayer
As we observe the earthly life of our Lord, we note that the synagogue was a regular place of worship for him. In Luke 4:16, we read that it was His "custom" to go to the synagogue. Since the place of worship was to be a "house of prayer" (Isaiah 56:7), we may assume that prayer was a fundamental part of His activity in the synagogue.
In our Lord's first usage of the term "church" to describe the assembly of those trusting in Him as Messiah, He said "I will build My church" (Matthew 16:18). It is appropriate to ask what kind of church He builds. In the Book of Acts, it is evident that the kind of church our Lord builds is in large measure a praying church (e.g. Acts 1:14; 2:42; 3:1; 4:23-31; 6:4; etc). The New Testament church was sustained by united prayer.
What a privilege it is for us to pray with others. The prayer meeting is the "hour of power" in any congregation. There are distinct promises from our Lord in regard to united praying. In Matthew 18:19, we read, for example, "Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven."
Many of us need a renewal in recognition of the importance of congregational prayer. For many congregations, it is sadly noted that the prayer meeting is the least frequented activity. We sincerely believe that if more of our congregations could be truly characterized as "praying congregations", we would see a tremendous difference in terms of spiritual effectiveness. The degree of blessing our AFLC has enjoyed in its short years is in large part attributable to the prayers of God's people. May God awaken in us a greater sense of dependence upon Him leading to much more prayer together.
v Personal Prayer
Not only was the house of worship a regular place of prayer for our Lord, but we observe Him often seeking a quiet place apart from others. Our Lord called His followers to seek a place where they would be ndisturbed. In Matthew 6:6, we read, "Go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you." Prayer requires a place where we can think undisturbed, where we can freely express ourselves and tell God all that is upon our hearts. Do you have such a quiet place? Our personal situations vary and may call for some creativity in finding that special place. Regardless, personal prayer is a rich opportunity afforded us by our gracious God. May He find us in that place frequently.
Certainly, as mentioned above, we can pray wherever we are. Prayer doesn't require a certain posture or a certain room. Sir Thomas Brown, a great Christian physician, said: "I have resolved to pray more and to pray always; to pray in all places where quietness inviteth; in the house, on the highway, and in the street, and to know no street, or passage in this city that may not witness that I have not forgotten God." It is not the place of pray that is all-important: it is the spirit of prayer as given by God that is so fundamental. The Apostle Paul exhorted: "Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension." (1 Tim. 2:8). The place of prayer is, after all, where you are.
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