The Elusive Nature of Prayer

Elusive…that one word succinctly describes, for many, their experience regarding the attainment of an effective prayer life

Many legitimate theories explain the root cause behind weak prayer habits.  They run the gamut from spiritual warfare, with Satan throwing various roadblocks up, thus foiling the effects of prayer, to un-repented sin, to overly busy lifestyles…and on it goes.  All of these represent valid explanations concerning ineffective prayer.  However, I believe the answer to this problem can be refined down to one fundamental concept; RELATIONSHIP. 

            When relationship is the foundation of our prayer life, something that once seemed so elusive is suddenly within our grasp.   In a very real sense, prayer is more about being than about doing.  It is more about embracing Jesus than attempting to obtain the answers that we desire. 

            In balance, a Biblical discussion of prayer must include the concept of believers bringing their petitions before Christ.  But the Biblical pattern of gaining access to the voice of God always points back to relationship…it always favors those who humbly embrace their God and, in the act of embracing, bring their heart’s cry before Him.

            The book of Habakkuk begins with the prophet screaming out to God, “God, How long do I have to cry out for help before you listen (1:2)?”  The reason Habakkuk could speak to God with such abandon, such emotion, is simple: RELATIONSHIP.  Interestingly, Habakkuk’s name means “strong embrace”.  The text makes it clear that he is less than pleased with the answer that God provides, yet he acknowledges God as his Rock, who is “from everlasting” (1:12).  In the process of questioning God, he worships God.  Why?  RELATIONSHIP! A vital pointer we gain from Habakkuk is the importance of hanging in there.  Although he accepted God’s harsh answer in chapter 1, the prophet still wanted to hear more from his God.  In Chapter 2 Habakkuk makes it clear that he is willing to climb the tower, to watch and wait on God.  He was willing to do whatever it took to hear from God.  He watched, he waited, he continued to embrace, and God spoke. 

            You and I can do the same thing in our prayer life.  Cultivate your relationship with God…embrace Him…and be willing to go to the tower. 

           

Curtis Pryor lives in Wickenburg, AZ with his wife Linda.  He is the Associate Pastor at Mount Hope Assembly of God in Wickenburg, and adjunct professor at Western Bible College in Phoenix