Reflecting on Truth #38

Q: What is prayer?

A: Prayer is pouring out our hearts to God in praise, petition, confession of sin, and thanksgiving.

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. (Psalm 62:8)

Why does this matter?

I am reminded that prayer is such a privilege. Often, the way I approach prayer makes it seem like chores to be ticked off for the day - one in the morning, one before every meal, one at the end of the day. And that means sometimes my prayers end up sounding the same all the time because I’m just trying to get it over and done with. But I am reminded that in prayer, I can pour out my heart to God, the Creator of the universe who hears my prayers! Oh, how that changes the way I pray if I would remember that. The first verse of All Praise to Him reminds me of this wondrous privilege we have.

All praise to Him, the God of light, who formed the mountain by His might.
All praise to Him who names the stars that sing His fame in skies afar.
All praise to Him who reigns in love, who guides the galaxies above,
Yet bends to hear our every prayer, with sovereign power and tender care.

What does this mean for us?

The categories of praise, petition, confession of sin and thanksgiving remind me that there’s so much that I can pour out my heart to God about in prayer, other than simply making petition.
I can express my awe and wonder at who He is and what He has done.
I can express my sorriness and grief at my sin, and my insufficiency, inability and weakness and my need for Him.
I can express my gratitude for the uncountable good things He graciously gives - from His daily provision and sustenance, to the fact that I can still approach Him despite my sin because of the salvation I have in Christ.
I can pour out my heart to Him, my God, my friend, my Redeemer.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”