Relearning the Art of Prayer: Overcoming Barriers for Christians

Why is prayer so hard for Christians? It's a question that many believers struggle with, and one that has become increasingly relevant in today's world. In this article, we will explore the reasons why prayer has become more difficult for Christians, and how we can relearn the art of praying.

1. The Decline of Corporate Prayer
In the past, prayer meetings were a common practice in Christian communities. Churchgoers would gather together to pray for various needs and concerns. However, in recent years, the emphasis on corporate prayer has diminished. Many churches no longer have dedicated prayer meetings, and prayer has taken a backseat in the overall church agenda. This shift has made it harder for Christians to engage in regular and intentional prayer.

2. The Rise of Bible Study Groups
While Bible study groups are valuable for spiritual growth, they have inadvertently contributed to a decline in prayer. Often, these groups focus more on studying the Bible and discussing its teachings, leaving little time for prayer. As a result, prayer has been pushed to the margins, with participants only offering quick and surface-level requests.

3. The Ease of Modern Life
The comforts and conveniences of modern life have made it easier for people to rely on themselves rather than on God. With improved living conditions, increased prosperity, and enhanced safety, many individuals feel less desperate and dependent on prayer. The urgency and necessity of seeking God's intervention have diminished, leading to a decline in prayer.

4. The Influence of Pragmatism
Our culture places a strong emphasis on practicality and achieving tangible results. As a result, many Christians have adopted a pragmatic mindset, seeking strategies and methods to solve problems rather than turning to prayer. The belief that we can accomplish things on our own, coupled with the availability of resources and information, has led to a diminished reliance on prayer.

5. The Availability of Good Teaching
With the vast amount of teaching resources available online, Christians have access to a wealth of information and insights. While this is beneficial, it can also lead to a decreased sense of dependence on prayer. Instead of seeking God's guidance and wisdom through prayer, individuals may rely solely on the teachings of others, neglecting the personal connection and intimacy that comes from direct communication with God.

So, how can we relearn the art of prayer and overcome these barriers?

1. Recognize Our Desperate Need for God
Understanding our complete dependence on God is crucial for cultivating a vibrant prayer life. We must recognize that apart from Jesus, we can do nothing of lasting spiritual worth. Our own efforts and abilities are insufficient. Only through prayer and reliance on God's Spirit can we truly experience transformation and live for Him.

2. Embrace the Hard Work of Prayer
Prayer is not meant to be easy or effortless. It requires discipline, perseverance, and dedication. Just as Epaphras struggled in his prayers, we too will encounter challenges and difficulties in our prayer life. Rather than shying away from the hard work of prayer, we should embrace it, knowing that it is an essential part of our journey with God.

3. Pray Patiently and Look for Small Answers
Prayer is not a magic formula where we instantly see all our desires fulfilled. Instead, it is a process of aligning our hearts with God's will and trusting His timing. We may not always see immediate or complete answers to our prayers, but we can find encouragement in the small ways God is at work in our lives and the lives of others. By recognizing these "small" answers, we can remain patient and persistent in our prayers.

4. Pray According to the Gospel
The foundation of our prayers should be rooted in the gospel. We should ask God to do His work through His Word and His promises. The Bible instructs us to ask for things because God delights in giving. As we pray for God's work in our lives and the spread of the gospel, we can be confident that He will answer our prayers according to His purposes.

In conclusion, prayer has become more difficult for Christians due to various cultural and personal factors. However, by relearning the art of prayer and aligning our prayers with the gospel, we can cultivate a vibrant and meaningful prayer life. Prayer is not meant to be easy, but it is an essential part of our relationship with God. Let us embrace the hard work of prayer, persistently seek God's presence, and trust in His faithfulness to answer our prayers according to His will.