Joe Fitch
Prayer is an essential and vital part of the worship of Christians together.
Yet we must echo the cry of disciples of ancient year, "Lord, teach
us to pray." We know how to recite a prayer, but that is a far cry
from praying. Prayer is not a magical incantation; it is rather a godward
expression. If we recognize the realm of that expression, we will gradually
learn to pray.
Prayer is an expression of people. A man is asked to "lead"
people in a prayer. "What do these people want to say to God?"
To lead in prayer, he needs to know the people well enough to answer that
question. how else can he express their mind? They can hardly say amen
to what is not their prayer. Thus, it is hard for anyone to direct a crowd
of strangers in prayer. Such prayer would begin with an assumption, proceed
in generalities, and be deficient, in expressing the people's urgent yearning.
This expression of people must be in understandable words. Prayer in
a language foreign to the people is wrong (1 Cor. 14:14-17). Such is not
the people's expression to God, and they can not say amen to such a prayer.
Nor can they say amen to a prayer consisting of stilted and empty phrases.
We must abandon our collection of pompous sayings and speak to God in the
words of the people. Then all can pray together.
Prayer is an expression in truth. The new convert prays. His words tell
his background and weakness. What did we expect? Shall we refuse to use
him in our assemblies. Will we solve his problem by having him mimic some
brethren? Shall we give him a list of proscribed and prescribed sayings?
Never! Be patient. He cannot express what he does not know, nor say it
any better than he understands it. He simply must be instructed in truth
and nurtured in spirituality. As his mind is filled with Bible, his prayer
will be filled with scriptural terms. Spiritual concepts will replace the
carnal as he is transformed spiritually. Prayer cannot be achieved by parroting;
it is in an expression rooted in God's truth.
Prayer is also an expression of feeling. Do not be shocked! It is right
for brethren to both feel and to express that feeling! Nehemiah wept and
prayed to God (Neh. 1:4-). His prayer voiced the sob that choked his throat
and the tear that clouded his eye. Brethren prayed with Paul and wept knowing
they would "see his face no more" (Acs 20:38). James described
the availing prayer as "fervent" (Jas. 5:16). Even when there
are no words to express it, the "unutterable groaning" is heard
by the one making intercession for the saints (Rom. 8:26,27). Likewise,
feelings of reverence and awe of God, of gratitude for our blessings, of
joy for salvation in Christ, of anticipation of our reward and of sorrow
for our sins are the well spring from which flows real prayer. We must
open our eyes to the things that stir such feelings and let them swell
to fill us. Then our mouths will fill with words to express those feelings.
May our prayers never the voice of hypocrisy.
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