Biblical Answer

The Significance of Prayer: Understanding God's Presence

Prayer is not just about speaking words to God, but rather a posture of the heart that seeks to align ourselves with His holy will. When we pray, we are not just talking to God, but also listening to Him. As Dr. John Barger notes, "Our mind is a hopeless distraction," and we must pray for the ordinate frame of mind, which is a blessing we must seek. This means that we must be still and listen to God, not just speaking words, but also being attentive to His presence. By doing so, we can discern His will and align ourselves with it.

The Assurance of God's Hearing

One of the biggest obstacles to prayer is the feeling that God is not listening. However, the Bible assures us that God Almighty hears every prayer we pray, regardless of how loud or soft we speak. We don't need to speak louder to get God's attention; He hears our prayers. The Bible says, "Pray without ceasing" (1 Th 5:17), which means that we should talk to God like we talk to a friend, little by little discovering that He is hearing and answering our prayers. This can be a habit that we cultivate, even in the midst of our busy lives, as we pray as we drive from one task to another, or as we go about our daily activities.

The Importance of Mental Alertness

Prayer is not just about speaking words or being still; it's also about being mentally alert to the dangers of life and the needs of those around us. When we cultivate a habit of prayer, we become aware of the needs of others and can launch into fervent prayer at any moment. This is what the Bible means by "praying without ceasing." It's not about speaking constantly, but about being aware of God's presence and His will, and being willing to listen and respond to Him at any moment. By doing so, we can develop a deeper relationship with God and become more effective in our ministry to others.