Communing With God

"Pray without ceasing." (1 Thessalonians 5:17, KJV)

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise:

be thankful unto him, and bless his name." (Psalm 100:4, KJV)

Introduction

• Opening Thought: Prayer is a vital means of communicating with God. It is not a one-size-fits-all practice but encompasses various forms, each serving a unique purpose in the believer's spiritual life. Understanding and practicing these types of prayer enriches our relationship with God and strengthens our faith.

A Short Expo on: The Origins and Significance of Prayer in the Judeo-Christian Tradition

Prayer in the Judeo-Christian tradition has ancient origins, deeply rooted in the scriptures and understood as a unique and dynamic interaction between humanity and God. This practice is central to the spiritual life of believers, encompassing various forms and purposes that express reverence, dependency, and a desire for divine guidance. From its earliest mentions, prayer has been integral to the covenant relationship between God and His people, highlighting many themes throughout the Bible.

Historical Roots

In Genesis, we see that God created humans in His image (Genesis 1:27) and designed them for fellowship with Him. This relationship is evident in the way God interacts with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, walking and talking with them (Genesis 3:8-9). This direct communication reflects the essence of prayer—a means for humans to connect with their Creator.

After the fall of humanity (Genesis 3), sin created a separation between God and humans. Prayer became a vital way for people to seek God, express their dependence on Him, and maintain a relationship with Him despite the brokenness caused by sin.

Prayer as seen in the Old Testament reflects an emerging understanding of a personal God who hears and responds to His people. Examples abound:

• Enosh's Time: Genesis 4:26 mentions that during Enosh's time, "people began to call on the name of the Lord," indicating the emergence of prayer as a communal practice.

• Abraham is among the earliest biblical figures to practice prayer, exemplified by his intercession on behalf of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18). His prayers demonstrate boldness combined with humility and faith in God's justice.

• Moses, who leads the Israelites through the wilderness, often communicates directly with God, interceding for the deliverance and forgiveness of his people. Notably, his prayer after the golden calf incident in Exodus 32 illustrates both desperation and compassion for those under his care.

• David offers a treasure trove of prayers preserved in the Psalms, showcasing a wide emotional and spiritual spectrum. His prayers span adoration, penitence, thanksgiving, and lament, making them enduring examples for generations of believers.

Over time, corporate and communal prayer became regular in Jewish worship practices, with prayers incorporated into temple rituals, synagogues, and festivals. These moments of collective prayer emphasized devotion to God and unity among His people.

Evolution of Prayer in the New Testament

The New Testament brings a more personal and intimate view of prayer, primarily through the teachings and example of Jesus Christ and the infilling of the Holy Spirit. Key moments in Jesus’ ministry reveal the depth and frequency of His prayers:

• The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) serves as both guidance and structure for believers, emphasizing reverence for God, dependence on Him for daily provision, and the importance of forgiveness.

• Christ's Prayer in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46) reveals prayer’s role in surrendering human will to God's purpose, as Jesus petitions for strength in His forthcoming trials.

• Jesus Praying on the Cross (Matthew 27:46, Luke 23:34,46) demonstrates the confidence believers can have in God's presence and help even amid their darkest moments.

The early church also exhibits a dedication to prayer as part of its identity and mission. Following the ascension of Christ, the apostles and believers devoted themselves to prayer, seeking boldness, spiritual guidance, and unity (Acts 1:14, Acts 4:31). Prayer became a defining feature of the church’s gatherings, underlining its enduring significance.

Prayer in Judeo-Christian tradition is not merely a practice but a relational expression of trust and dependency on God. It encompasses the believer's joy, sorrow, need, and worship, providing a profound connection to God, our Creator. Witnessing its continuity from the patriarchs and prophets to Christ and the early church affirms its foundational role in one’s spiritual life.

There are Several Thematic Elements in Judeo-Christian Prayer. Today we will look at a few of them:

I. Adoration = Recognizing and exalting God's holiness, power, and majesty.

Scripture Reference: 1 Chronicles 29:10-13

A. The Sovereignty of God

1. God is exalted above all creation, as both the heavens and the earth belong to Him (v.11).

a. His supremacy is evident in His greatness, power, glory, victory, and majesty, which are unmatched by any other.

2. Adoration is due to God as the rightful King and head of all things.