Prayer: a conversation not a monologue

Read: Acts 2:42-47

“And they were steadfastly devoted to… prayer” 

What does it look like to be devoted to prayer? In its essence, prayer is communication with God. As we see from Peter’s sermon, in these last days God is communicating with US… his people … in unique and powerful ways. (cf. Acts 2:17-21) Prayer is not a monologue, but rather a two way conversation. God speaking with us as we speak with him. In this way, to be “devoted” to prayer is to be “devoted” to a conversation with God. This is the life of God’s people, in open and regular conversation with God. Asking him what he has for us in each day and situation. Listening to the voice of the Lord as he speaks to us in prayer, and through his word, and through others, and through creation. God speaking to his children… whispering in our ears TRUTH as opposed to the lies that the enemy yells at us each day. 

Like the study of scripture and fellowship / breaking of bread, prayer was never meant to be solely a  private activity. Prayer should not be happening in a vacuum. Prayer gains momentum when it is taking place with other believers. When we share what we are praying for and what God is telling us in prayer, it strengthens those around us. When we pray together towards a common end that God is leading us in, it brings unity to us as God’s people. We will not see unity and spiritual growth without prayer. Intentional prayer is as crucial as fellowship and bible study. Look at the life of Jesus! How often did he withdraw to pray? Look at how frequently he set aside time to listen. (cf. Luke 11:1, Mark 14:32, Heb. 5:7, Luke 3:21, Matt. 14:23, Mark 6:46, etc.) Even when Jesus prayed alone, he always told the disciples everything that the Father gave him to say! : “For I have given them the words that you (the Father) gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me…I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world…” (John 17:8,14) God is having a conversation with both you individually as well as his people. If prayer is only “corporate”, then we miss out on the intimate relationship and communication with the Father… it becomes too general and impersonal. If prayer is only “private”, then it becomes unhinged from the bigger work God is doing through us… we feel alone, isolated, and it is difficult to confirm that we are hearing correctly. To be devoted to conversation with God requires both private / personal moments and corporate / community moments. It requires sharing what you are hearing and saying. It requires joining with others in their conversations with God and having them together. This is how meaningful ministry will move forward - devoted to prayer.

What does prayer look like for you? Is it too “personal” for you? Do you need to share with others? Is it too “corporate” for you? Is the only time you pray when someone from the stage offers up some “group” prayer? Has prayer become a “throw-away” for you… some pointless “filler” that you add in because it seems “Christian’y”? It is not easy to be intentional in prayer. There are many things scrambling for our attention. It takes practice to converse with God. It takes time. As God’s people, may we be devoted to prayer. This week, share with someone what you are praying about. Carve out some time to practice listening to God. Write one prayer on a post it and stick it to your dashboard so you pray for it each time you get into the car. Write down on a notecard what you think you hear God saying to you this week, and then share it with someone on Saturday. Ask those around you what God has been telling them. When prayer ceases to be a monologue, and becomes a conversation we all join it, it comes to LIFE! We won’t always be this “slow” in a passage, but it is worth looking at these building blocks of the early church. Love you guys! - JDP