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Biblical Charactertistics of Prayer:
A prayer is simply talking with God. Yet with regard to consistency or how to approach Him, we sometimes struggle, especially when we’ve observed other Christians pray and assume their must be the “right way”. That’s probably how people felt watching the Pharisees, who’d corrupted this priceless privilege by turning it into a hypocritical, ritualistic performance of self-righteousness. In contrast, Jesus taught the God-pleasing prayers have the following characteristics:
SINCERITY:
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” James 5:16 (NKJV).
Coming before a holy God should fill us with humility rather than a self-focused desire to be perceived favorably by others.
SECRET:
“But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly” Matthew 6:6 (NKJV).
Although there is always a place for humble public prayer, we also need to have personal time alone with our heavenly Father.
SIMPLE:
“And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him” Matthew 6:7-8 (NKJV).
The pagans often used meaningless repetition of words or phrases to get their gods’ attention and persuade them to grant requests. But, since we know that the Lord always hears us, we can plainly present our concerns and petitions.
SERENITY:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:8-9 (NKJV).
Our Heavenly Father loves us and knows what we need, so we don’t have to worry that He’ll ignore our prayers. To follow Jesus’ guidelines and directions for life, we must see ourselves as weak, dependent children comingn to our loving Father for help.