4 surprises about biblical prayer

Jim Farrer April 15, 2020

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Many Christians feel inadequate when it comes to their prayer life. Therefore, modern day folks can relate to the disciple who asked of Jesus, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1). This was quite surprising since every Jewish disciple had a history of corporate prayer and also of personal prayer three times a day (Psalm 55:17), seven times a day (Psalm 119:164) or day and night (Psalm 88:1).

1. Importance of silence

Much of modern life is filled with cacophony. A University of British Columbia study revealed that those in noisy jobs suffer two to three times more heart problems than those who work in quiet settings. 

Much of modern worship often leaves very little space for silence even though we are familiar with Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God.” The verb is an imperative and the basic meaning is, “Let your hands fall” or “drop ‘em” in cowboy-movie lingo.

Psychology professor Archibald Hart noted that if modern worship styles are not balanced with silence or reflective practices, the brain’s pleasure system becomes hijacked and we are left with a sense of internal numbness.

2. Groaning

In the Bible “groaning” is a legitimate form of praying. Groaning is connected linguistically to sighing which acknowledges relief such as “I’m glad that’s over.” 

Groaning is not the constant complaining and grumbling of the Hebrew people in the wilderness when their sustenance seemed the same each day. Proper groaning can be found in Exodus 2:24, Psalm 38:6, Acts 7:34 and Romans 8:26.

Professors Louis M. Savary and Patricia H. Berne in Prayerways suggest going to a lonely place such as your garage or the far reaches of a parking lot and beginning by asking God for the capacity to release whatever underlying feeling may be overwhelming you at this time. 

Then groaning may start quietly but it is helpful for the groaning to grow into a loud and continuous outburst. 

It is appropriate to thank God for this experience. God created our range of emotions and has continuous womb-like compassion over us.

3. Struggling with God and life

Biblical praying is an ongoing, deep-seated give-and-take between ourselves and the Most High God.

We should remember that Jacob had a conversion experience as he struggled with himself, his brother, God and God’s mysterious ways (Genesis 32:24-32). The LORD then changed Jacob’s name to Israel, “the God wrestler” (Godwrestling, by Rabbi Arthur I. Waskow).

We also are to wrestle against the forces of darkness according to Ephesians 6:12. The word for serving their duty to prepare for worship in the wilderness was tsabahliterally “to go in to war the warfare of the tent of meeting/tabernacle” (Numbers 8:24).

When Jesus invited someone to follow Him, He never minimized the struggles ahead. In Luke 9:23 Jesus brought the challenge: “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

4. Christian prayer begins with “Amen!”

Most often we hear Christian prayers begin with “Heavenly Father” and end with “Amen.” The word “amen” means “truly” or “it is so” or even “yes.” 

The spirit world is full of Satan’s nay-saying minions who are tasked with frazzling our lives and sapping our strength. Theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar in Engagement with God (p. 93) has called the biblical God the “original yes” in the universe.

Surprisingly, according to Professor David Willis in Daring Prayerthe word “Amen” is presupposed at the beginning of every Christian prayer because of God’s Covenant. The God of Truth/Amen in the Hebrew language (Isaiah 65:16) is the faithful covenant-keeping God. Jesus is also the Amen, God’s everlasting “yes” to us (2 Corinthians 1:19-20).

In the Book of Revelation, “Amen” is an eschatological shout of praise stating that the Biblical God is the true ruler of all and soon everyone will know it.

Photo source: istock 

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Jim Farrer is the founder of Vital Signs Church Consulting and a member of the Society for Church Consulting. A broadly-trained church consultant, Jim is also a veteran of ministry positions in Canada and the U.S., he has trained leaders from 18 denominations and led seminars and coaching sessions nationwide. His articles have been published in the Journal of Evangelism and Missions and the Great Commission Research Journal. You can reach him by e-mailing revup1@yahoo.com or calling 814 629-5211. Learn More »

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