What is Prayer? Understanding the Heart of Communication with God

Prayer is central to a Christian’s relationship with God. At its core, prayer is simply communicating with God—an open, honest, and personal dialogue that connects us with Him. But it’s also much more: it’s a way to bring our lives, concerns, and praises before God, aligning our hearts with His will.

If you’ve ever wondered what prayer truly is and how it impacts our lives, let’s explore some biblical insights on prayer, an example of how to pray, and resources for strengthening your prayer life, including Priscilla Shirer’s powerful book, Fervent.

What is Prayer According to the Bible?

The Bible describes prayer as both an invitation and a command to connect with God. In Philippians 4:6, Paul writes, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” This passage captures the essence of prayer—it’s a way to bring everything to God, from worries and desires to praises and gratitude. It’s a two-way conversation where we both speak to and listen for God’s voice.

Jesus Himself modeled prayer as a vital, consistent practice. He often withdrew from crowds to pray (Luke 5:16), showing that even the Son of God valued moments of solitude with the Father. Jesus’ teachings on prayer, such as the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), demonstrate the heart of what prayer should be: worship, submission to God’s will, seeking provision, forgiveness, and guidance.

Prayer as Worship and Surrender

Prayer is not just asking for things; it’s about surrender and worship. In 1 Chronicles 16:11, we’re encouraged to “Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face continually!” Prayer allows us to focus on God’s character and His greatness, deepening our trust and devotion to Him. When we spend time adoring God for who He is, we align our thoughts and desires with His will.

In Fervent, Priscilla Shirer speaks to the importance of prayer as a weapon against life’s challenges. She describes how strategic, intentional prayer can transform the way we live, helping us to overcome obstacles and distractions. Her book is an incredible resource for women who want to strengthen their prayer life, teaching us how to be intentional in praying for specific areas like family, faith, and purpose.

How to Pray: A Simple Example

If you’re new to prayer or seeking a structured approach, Jesus’ model in the Lord’s Prayer offers a great guide. Here’s a way to structure your prayer based on that example:

Start with Praise: Begin by recognizing who God is. You might say, “Father, thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness. I praise You for being my provider and my peace.”
Surrender to God’s Will: Acknowledge His plans over yours: “Lord, I surrender my plans to You. Let Your will be done in my life and in the world around me.”
Ask for Your Needs and Others’: Bring your requests to Him: “Please help me to walk in wisdom and love today. I lift up my family, that You would guide and protect them.”
Seek Forgiveness and Strength: Ask for God’s forgiveness and help to forgive others: “Forgive me for my shortcomings. Help me to forgive as You have forgiven me.”
End with Thanksgiving: Conclude by thanking God for hearing you: “Thank You, Lord, for listening and being near. I trust in Your answers and timing. Amen.”

Strengthening Your Prayer Life with Fervent

In Fervent, Priscilla Shirer teaches us to be strategic and focused in prayer. Each chapter covers a different area of life to pray for with intention and persistence, making it an excellent resource for anyone seeking a deeper, more disciplined prayer life. Shirer’s insights remind us that prayer is not only about changing our circumstances but transforming our hearts and minds.

She encourages women to view prayer as their primary weapon in spiritual battles, focusing prayers on specific areas like identity, relationships, and faith. This approach helps us to pray with purpose, helping us grow in spiritual maturity and resilience.

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Final Thoughts

Prayer is God’s gift to us—a way to connect, share, and seek Him. Through prayer, we align our hearts with God’s, drawing near to Him and finding peace. As you grow in your prayer journey, consider reading Fervent for inspiration and guidance on how to make prayer a powerful, purposeful part of your life. Remember, there’s no “perfect” prayer—just a heart open to God.