The most common word used for “prayer” in the New Testament is the Greek word proseuche. It refers to having ourselves in a face-to-face conversation with God; it’s stating a desire, request, vow, promise or issue.
The word “worship” comes from the Greek word proskyneo; that means “to kiss towards.” When we talk about worship, we’re really talking about kissing towards God. In both, it’s the idea of an intimate relationship.
God really craves to have an intimate relationship with you. Part of that comes when we pray. Jesus reminds us (Luke 18:1) that we “always ought to pray and not lose heart.” Don’t turn coward and quit; God always wants us to pray, but especially when pressure is on us and we feel like we’re at the end of our rope.
Praying is Like Breathing
When the pressure is on, don’t hold your breath!
When I did weight lifting, I’d sometimes see powerlifters trying to lift massive amounts of weight while forgetting to breathe…and sometimes they’d get lightheaded because of that. When the pressure is on, don’t forget to breathe!
The “breathing” I’m talking about is our opportunity for prayer; it should be a part of who we are. When pressure’s on, don’t go over to the “complain route”; come over to the prayer route. Get into the habit of praying out that which you know to be God’s will for your life.
“So, I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” – LUKE 11:9-10 (NKJV)
Whatever you ask for in prayer, if you believe, it shall be done for you. It is the idea of a petition that we offer up in prayer. God intends for us to ask Him about the things we need, the things we desire and the things that we’d like to see changed in our own behavior. It will help demonstrate the love of God and the peace of God to others you come in contact with.
We are not to be people who carry our troubles; we are to cast them away. What should be the natural life-pattern? Look at 1 Thessalonians 5.
“…pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 THESSALONIANS 5:17-18 (NKJV)
Prayer should be as natural as breathing…and remember: God created you so you don’t have to remember to breathe. Aren’t you glad?
Praying is like Breathing!
God created you so you don’t have to remember to breathe!
Holding your breath is contrary to the natural thing God intends for us…not praying is contrary to the natural way God intends us to live. He wants us to have continual communication with Him about all things that concern us.
“Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.” – 1 PETER 5:7 (AMPC)
When it talks about casting the whole of your care, that bothers some folks. They say, “I’ll let this care go, but this other care is too important for me to let go…I have to figure it out for myself.” Nope! Cast all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns on Him!
People who have a prayer-lifestyle find that they are care-free! Prayer is like breathing: It’s an exchange of that which is doesn’t have life for that which does (like exhaling carbon dioxide and breathing in oxygen)!
Praying is like Breathing!!
It’s an Exchange – Carbon Dioxide for Oxygen
Too many times, we allow the junk that’s in us to stay functioning and controlling our lives (instead of praying and trusting God). We have to breathe! It’s life!
Think about it: One of the first signs of death is there’s no breathing…no oxygen. You can go weeks without food and three days without water, but you can’t go more than 6-7 minutes without air and live.
“But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out].” – HEBREWS 11:6 (AMPC)
Praying – having that consistent intimate face-to-face with God – is basically saying, “I believe that God is real.” When we pray, we’re declaring God is real, He answers prayer, He’s true to His Word, and that He’s able to hear what I say and not be “put off.”
Praying is like Breathing!!!
It’s proof we’re alive – in faith.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” – PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7 (NKJV)
One of the great things about prayer is knowing that you can talk to God and not give too much information. God’s not put off by challenges…He says “Bring it on! If it bothers you, I’ve got the answer for you. Be at peace.”
Praying is like Breathing!!!!
It provides peace – No need to hyperventilate.
Prayer helps us to calm down…we cast our care on Him before things become monumental.
2020 had its share of challenges, and 2021 may see others…but one thing we can be sure of: As we trust God, spending time before Him in prayer, we’ll keep breathing and living!
To watch the entire Jan. 17, 2021 message on which this post was based, click here.
