A Universally Misunderstood Mystery

Prayer is pretty much a universally misunderstood mystery. This may be because we usually limit prayer to one or two functions and to one single method.

The other day I wrote about the discipline of reading the scriptures. I think it might be beneficial today to write a few words about prayer.

Looking at the single method I begin to see that different groups have different primary methods. Our Episcopal brothers and sisters and other high church groups are very inclined to read their prayers. Evangelicals scorn this method and prefer extemporaneous prayers in the common language, while our Pentecostal brothers and sisters will pray in unknown tongues. Unfortunately, each group is inclined to reject the method of the others. I suspect that this inclination is a great mistake. I would suggest rather, that all of these methods of prayer have value, and that it would do each of us much good to explore methods that are not familiar. I would also suggest that there may be other methods of prayer, such as meditation, that would also benefit each of us to explore. I hope to write more about that at another time.

Praise or thanksgiving and petition seem to be the primary functions or purposes of prayer. Once again, I am pretty sure that the focus on these limits what we can receive or benefit from this great mystery. *Brian Zahnd states that the primary purpose of prayer is, “that we might be properly formed.” Another purpose of prayer should probably be to deepen and enrich our personal relationship with our Father in Heaven and with Jesus.

This is something to think about and should also be one of the disciplines of a disciple. I cannot imagine being a disciple without regular prayer and reading of the scriptures.

Be Faithful

*Brian Zahnd is the lead pastor of “The Word of Life Church” in St. Joseph Missouri where he hosts prayer schools several times a year. He is also the author of “Water to Wine” which tells the story of some of his discovery of prayer.