Living Life with Jesus: Transforming Prayer from Task to Relationship

Discover the power of seeing prayer as doing life with Jesus. Learn how to transform your perspective on prayer and experience the abundant blessings of a thriving prayer life.

What Would Happen if We Saw Prayer as Doing Life with Jesus?

Prayer is one of the most important aspects of a Christian's life. It provides an opportunity to communicate with God, express gratitude, and ask for help. However, many people view prayer as a chore or something they have to do rather than a way of life. This limited perspective on prayer causes us to miss out on the abundant blessings that come from having a thriving prayer life. What would happen if we saw prayer as doing life with Jesus? Let's explore this question below.

Prayer is a Relationship

At its core, prayer is a relationship with God. It is not a one-way conversation where we simply list our requests and desires, but rather a two-way dialogue where we listen to God's voice and respond to His leading. When we see prayer as a relationship, we are more likely to approach it with sincerity and intentionality.

In John 15:5, Jesus says, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing." Our relationship with Jesus is at the center of our prayer life. When we remain connected to Him, we can bear much fruit in our lives, including answered prayers, peace, joy, and love.

Prayer is a Lifestyle

Seeing prayer as doing life with Jesus means that prayer is not just something we do in the morning or before bed, but it is a lifestyle. It means that we are in constant communication with God throughout the day, seeking His guidance and wisdom in every situation. We don't have to wait until we are in crisis mode to pray but can continually pray as we go about our daily lives.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Paul writes, "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." This passage emphasizes the importance of a lifestyle of prayer. When we pray continually, we are more likely to see God's hand at work in our lives and experience His peace and presence.

Prayer is a Weapon

Prayer is not just a passive activity, but it is a powerful weapon in spiritual warfare. The Bible tells us that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12). Through prayer, we can wage war against the enemy and take back ground that he has stolen from us.

In 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, Paul writes, "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." Prayer is one of the weapons that God has given us to demolish the strongholds of the enemy and take captive our thoughts.

Prayer is a Community

Prayer is not just an individual activity but also a community activity. When we pray with others, we are strengthened and encouraged in our faith. We can also pray for others and see God answer their prayers, which increases our faith and trust in Him.

In Matthew 18:19-20, Jesus says, "Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." This passage emphasizes the power of praying together as a community. When we come together in Jesus' name, we can see God work in miraculous ways.

Conclusion

In conclusion, seeing prayer as doing life with Jesus transforms our perspective on prayer. It changes prayer from a chore to a relationship, from a task to a lifestyle, from a passive activity to a powerful weapon, and from an individual activity to a community activity. When we see prayer as doing life with Jesus, we can experience the abundant blessings that come from a thriving prayer life.

FAQs:

Q: Is prayer only for Christians?
A: While prayer is a central aspect of the Christian faith, anyone can pray, regardless of their religious beliefs. However, Christians believe that prayer is a way to communicate with God and grow in their relationship with Him.

Q: How often should I pray?
A: There is no set rule for how often you should pray. However, prayer should be a regular part of your life, and you should seek to pray continually throughout the day.

Q: Does God always answer prayers?
A: Yes, God always answers prayers, but His answer may not always be what we expect or want. Sometimes, God's answer is "no," or "not yet," but we can trust that He has our best interests at heart.

Q: Can I pray for anything?
A: Yes, you can pray for anything, but it is essential to pray with a humble and open heart, seeking God's will above your own desires.

Q: How can I improve my prayer life?
A: There are many ways to improve your prayer life, including setting aside dedicated time for prayer, journaling your prayers, praying with others, and seeking God's guidance in all areas of your life.