top of page

A Few Thoughts on Prayer

Writer's picture: Rob SchettlerRob Schettler

This is an invitation to prayer. I encourage you to explore these prayer descriptions and consider how you can incorporate these patterns into your connection with God.

~

And when you pray...

Continual steadfast in prayer...

...everything in prayer

This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer

And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive...

...worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day

...all night, he continued in prayer to God

My house shall be a house of prayer

All these, with one accord, were devoting themselves to prayer together...

...going up to the temple at the hour of prayer...

...we will devote ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the word.

...your prayer has been heard...

...earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church...

...with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

...we were going to the place of prayer...

You also must help us by prayer...

...remembering you in my prayers...

...always in every prayer...

...but in everything by prayer and supplication...

...for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer...

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray...

...the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick...

...confess your sins to one another and pray for one another...

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer...

...be constant in prayer...

...while I was speaking in prayer...

...seeking him by prayer...

...lift up a cry or prayer on their behalf...

...keep alert and perserve praying for all the saints...


Prayer encompasses various forms of expression, such as quiet contemplation, communal gatherings, individual reflection, vocal supplication, scriptural recitation, emotional outpouring, rational discourse, reliance on a higher power, shared experiences, expressions of grief and joy, reverent worship, adoring praise, peaceful meditation, wondrous awe, visible actions, inner tranquility, audible petitions, serene stillness, heartfelt groans, tears of sorrow, private contemplation, assertive intercession, altruistic intentions, unwavering faith, urgent pleas, devoted commitment, humble submission, risky vulnerability, optimistic anticipation, sacred reverence, interpersonal connection, essential necessity, comforting solace, rejuvenating renewal, satisfying fulfillment, demanding discipline, exquisite beauty, illuminating insight, public declarations, and personal intimacy.


God accepts all these forms, deeds, and characteristics of prayer, engaging with us in those sacred encounters. Prayer has been a continuous process of development for me that I believe will never stop. I have experienced periods of dryness, times of abundance, and ordinary everyday seasons in my prayer journey, but there have been moments when I felt like giving up (to be frank). These phases have all been crucial in guiding me to where I am now in my prayer life and connection with God. I have deepened my understanding of Him through each of these stages and those yet to come.


It is so interesting to me that Jesus says we can do a lot of great things for Him and never know Him. I can do many great things for my spouse, but I never know her. Hmmm...


Is it possible that the leading factor behind divorce in marriage is a deficiency in communication or the incapacity to communicate? Could this parallel our connection with God? Might our primary grievances in our relationship with God stem from inadequate communication with Him? Just as marriages can break down due to internalizing needs, desires, and expectations from our spouse, could this be even more pronounced in our relationship with God? God desires our connection! We were never intended to live in solitude with God or others. Communication serves as the cornerstone of all relationships, particularly with God.


Similar to any relationship, there are periods of drought, delightful exchanges of thoughts and hopes, and simply days of strolling down the street together. Logically, this holds even more significance in our journey with Christ. Those who genuinely care for me accept me as I am without criticizing, trying to change me, or passing judgment, and they walk alongside me. The One who is fully aware of everything about me meets me exactly where I am at all times, thus enabling the dialogue to start. How amazing is that!


Although prayer can be challenging, its difficulty does not diminish its value. Prayer is wonderfully challenging. It holds beauty for numerous reasons, primarily because I am engaging in conversation with the Creator, the One who loves my soul. Through prayer, He breathes life into me. The difficulty arises from the necessity to be honest, vulnerable, and invest time. Without intention towards Christ, there can be no transformation.


Behind every prayer is a hope.

Underneath every hope is a desire.

Under every desire is a need that

moves our hearts to pray.


If you are currently in a regular prayer routine and seeking new prayer practices to deepen your spiritual life and would find it helpful to discuss this with someone, I am available. I would be delighted to listen to your thoughts, understand your feelings, and accompany you on this journey.


Upon completing this reading, take a moment to stop and inquire, "Lord, what should be the next progression in my prayer journey?"


I recommend that you share your thoughts on the meaning of Prayer in the comments section of this post.


Peace, my friends,

Rob

32 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet

Add a rating
  • Facebook

Let's Journey Together

502.649.2083

We can meet at my office, via Zoom, or at a local coffee shop.                                      

My office is located in 

Sojourn Community Church

​

2023 Ekin Ave.

New Albany, IN 

47150

​

Our thirty-minute consultation visit is complimentary. If we journey together, I charge seventy-five dollars per 60-minute session. We can discuss arrangements if that is not affordable for you.

​

Most individuals choose bi-weekly or monthly sessions based on their desire.  You determine the rhythm of visits.

​

© 2023 by Pastoral Care 4 U

bottom of page