WHAT IS PRAYER, ANYWAY?

Philip Yancey, in his book entitled, "Prayer:  Does It Make Any Difference?", devotes the first of five parts to "Keeping Company With God."  While I would begin, as a definition of prayer, a little differently, I can't imagine a more vivid description for a Christian's continuing prayer life.

Jesus, Son of Man on earth, certainly kept company with the Father in heaven.  Friends and families with loving relationships keep company with each other.  So, such a relationship with God should be as normal as any that we may have for those with whom we share a life of common interests.

• Prayer is a means of communication with God.                                                                                         The word communication has taken on a wider meaning in today's IT world.  Media of all types and vehicles attempt to "communicate" their own messages (such as the media we are currently using for this message).  But, prayer gets its message across more directly and personally.  It may do so by "keeping company with God" or in a desperate crisis of reaching out to God.
• Prayer is not informing God.                                                                                                                     God knows what we need before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8).  He knows what we will say before we say it (Psalms 139:4).  Rather, prayer is (or has the intentions for) getting or staying in touch with God.

In the next post, we will continue to look at "What Is Prayer, Anyway?".  But, if you have comments or questions, please use the comment section for both.  Any that you send needing responses will get one.  I hope you will participate.

For your information, I highly recommend Philip Yancey as an author.  The book mentioned above will give great insight into the overall subject of prayer.  Others of his books, such as "What's So Amazing About Grace?" will help you grow as a Christian.  Many of his works can be found in your local library.