“And it came to pass, that, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, one of His disciples said unto Him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.”—Luke 11:1CWG 7.1

QUESTION

What is real prayer? Would it not be well to define what effective prayer really is before beginning this spiritual adventure?CWG 7.2

ANSWER

Speaking to God as to a friend: “Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him. Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to Him.”—Steps to Christ, 93CWG 7.3

Conversation with God: “If we keep the Lord ever before us, allowing our hearts to go out in thanksgiving and praise to Him, we shall have a continual freshness in our religious life. Our prayers will take the form of a conversation with God as we would talk with a friend. He will speak His mysteries to us personally. Often there will come to us a sweet joyful sense of the presence of Jesus. Often our hearts will burn within us as He draws nigh to commune with us as He did with Enoch. When this is in truth the experience of the Christian, there is seen in his life a simplicity, a humility, meekness, and lowliness of heart, that shows to all with whom he associates that he has been with Jesus and learned of Him.”—Christ's Object Lessons, 129, 130CWG 7.4

The key in the hand of faith: “The darkness of the evil one encloses those who neglect to pray. The whispered temptations of the enemy entice them to sin; and it is all because they do not make use of the privileges that God has given them in the divine appointment of prayer. Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven's storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence? Without unceasing prayer and diligent watching we are in danger of growing careless and of deviating from the right path.”—Steps to Christ, 94, 95CWG 7.5

It is the soul of religion: “Do not neglect secret prayer, for it is the soul of religion. With earnest, fervent prayer, plead for purity of soul. Plead as earnestly, as eagerly, as you would for your mortal life, were it at stake. Remain before God until unutterable longings are begotten within you for salvation, and the sweet evidence is obtained of pardoned sin.”—Testimonies For The Church 1:163CWG 10.1

The breath of the soul: “Prayer is the breath of the soul. It is the secret of spiritual power. No other means of grace can be substituted, and the health of the soul be preserved. Prayer brings the heart into immediate contact with the Wellspring of life, and strengthens the sinew and muscle of the religious experience. Neglect the exercise of prayer, or engage in prayer spasmodically, now and then, as seems convenient, and you lose your hold on God.”—Gospel Workers, 254, 255CWG 10.2

SUMMARY AND PRAYER THOUGHT

Heavenly Father, we cannot live for You and work for You unless You teach us by Your Spirit to pray like Jesus taught his disciples. Help us to open our hearts to You as to our very best Friend in sincerity and humility and earnestly seek to develop a two-way communication with You.CWG 10.3

May we learn to pray so that Isaiah 1:18 becomes an every day experience. Help us to pray to You in purity of soul and we will hear that still small voice speaking to us, helping, teaching, leading and instructing us until completely united with You we may work as a team, constantly listening and following Your divine guidance and the leading of Your Holy Spirit.CWG 10.4

Preface

Chapter 2 —Prayer in the Morning