Begin Where You Are: A Biblical Vision of Prayer

Begin Where You Are: A Biblical Vision of Prayer

Prayer is one of the core elements of the Christian life. It is the means by which we communicate with God, express our gratitude, make our requests known to Him, and seek His guidance and wisdom. However, many Christians struggle with prayer. They find it difficult to know what to say, how to say it, and even why they should pray in the first place. In this article, we will explore a biblical vision of prayer that can help us overcome these obstacles and deepen our intimacy with God.

The Two Errors of Prayer

Before we dive into the biblical vision of prayer, let us first consider the two errors that often hinder our prayers. The first error is what we can call "worldly prayers." These are prayers that are no different from those offered by unbelievers. They are focused on earthly blessings and goods, rather than on God Himself. Jesus warned against this kind of prayer when He said:

"When you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." (Matthew 6:7-8, ESV)

This does not mean that we cannot pray for earthly blessings or that God is unconcerned with our material needs. However, our primary focus should be on seeking God's will and kingdom, rather than on accumulating wealth or comfort. As Jesus said:

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33, ESV)

The second error of prayer is the opposite of the first. It is what we can call "spiritual escapism." This is the tendency to withdraw from the world and seek God's presence and blessings solely for our own comfort and security, rather than for the sake of serving others and fulfilling our mission in the world. This error is often associated with a kind of mystical or contemplative spirituality that sees prayer as a means of escaping from the challenges and responsibilities of daily life.

However, such an approach to prayer is not only unbiblical, but it also leads to a distorted view of God and a neglect of our calling as disciples of Christ. The Bible calls us to be salt and light in the world, to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to bear witness to the gospel of Christ in word and deed. Prayer is not a means of escape from these responsibilities, but rather a means of equipping and empowering us to fulfill them.

The Biblical Vision of Prayer

So, what is the biblical vision of prayer? Simply put, it is to begin where we are. This phrase, coined by C.S. Lewis in his book Letters to Malcolm, reminds us that prayer is not about achieving some ideal state of spirituality or attaining a certain level of holiness before we can come to God. Rather, it is about coming to God as we are, in all our weakness and need, and trusting Him to meet us there.

One of the most powerful examples of this kind of prayer in the Bible is the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15. This young man had squandered his inheritance on wild living and found himself destitute and starving in a foreign land. Yet, even in his desperate state, he remembered his father's house and resolved to return to him, saying:

"Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants." (Luke 15:18-19, ESV)

Notice that the prodigal son did not wait until he had cleaned up his act or achieved some level of moral purity before he came to his father. He came to him as he was, with all his sin and shame, and trusted in his father's love and mercy to receive him back.

This is the kind of prayer that God desires from us. He does not want us to come to Him with empty phrases, seeking only our own comfort and security. Nor does He want us to withdraw from the world and seek Him solely for our own spiritual satisfaction. Rather, He wants us to come to Him as we are, with all our doubts, fears, and failures, and trust in His grace and power to transform us and use us for His purposes.

The Power of Prayer

When we begin where we are in prayer, we open ourselves up to the transforming power of God. We acknowledge our need for Him and invite Him to work in us and through us. As the apostle Paul wrote:

"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)

Through prayer, we are able to behold the glory of the Lord and be transformed into His likeness. We are able to discern His will and receive His guidance for our lives. We are able to experience His peace and joy in the midst of trials and difficulties. And we are able to intercede for others and participate in the work of His kingdom.

The Practice of Prayer

So, how can we practice this biblical vision of prayer in our daily lives? Here are a few practical suggestions:

1. Set aside time for prayer.

It is important to set aside a regular time for prayer each day, whether it be in the morning, evening, or some other time that works for you. This helps to establish a rhythm of prayer in your life and makes it a priority.

2. Use a prayer guide or journal.

A prayer guide or journal can help you to structure your prayers and keep track of your requests and answers. It can also help you to stay focused and avoid distractions.

3. Pray with others.

Praying with others can be a source of encouragement and accountability. It can also help us to see beyond our own needs and intercede for others.

4. Pray throughout the day.

Prayer is not limited to a set time or place. We can pray throughout the day, as we go about our daily activities. We can offer up brief prayers of gratitude, petition, or praise as we encounter different situations and people.

Conclusion

Prayer is a vital part of the Christian life. It is the means by which we communicate with God and experience His transforming power. However, many Christians struggle with prayer because they approach it with the wrong mindset or expectations. By beginning where we are, we can avoid the two errors of worldly prayers and spiritual escapism and embrace the biblical vision of prayer. We can come to God as we are, with all our doubts, fears, and failures, and trust in His grace and power to transform us and use us for His purposes.

So, let us begin where we are in prayer and experience the abundant life that God has promised to those who seek Him.