Praying in the Closet and in the Spirit
This is the first Sunday of our annual, year-starting Prayer Week, and the fact that we have one raises the question I want to address today, which is about discipline and freedom in prayer.
Discipline
Some people are very intentional, and we call them “disciplined,” while others are somewhat intentional, and still others are not very intentional at all. There are hundreds of gradations in between.
Freedom
We sometimes use the word “freedom” to distinguish between the two, but I don’t want to put freedom alongside discipline because that implies that discipline cannot be free.
Spontaneity
“Spontaneous” means you didn’t plan it, but it came up in your heart and you did it without any prior planning or intentionality; this is different from discipline; we often feel most free in spontaneous praying, but not as free in disciplined, planned praying.
A Swing of the Pendulum?
What does the Bible say about prayer discipline, spontaneity, and freedom? He emphasizes the importance of being gospel-driven rather than discipline-driven, claiming that if we don’t live on the gospel, all of our praying will indeed become a bondage.
A Legalism of Resisting Discipline?
It’s possible to be half-biblical and get really excited about the gospel’s freedom and spontaneity; it’s also possible to turn any act or resistance to an act into a legal performance that fails the gospel test; and some fail to recognize that steadfast opposition to discipline may also reflect a heart of legalism.
The Heart of the Gospel
The central message of the gospel is that Christ died for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3). Paul writes in Philippians 3:9, “God made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
The Dangers of Discipline and Spontaneity
When it comes to prayer and standing with God, only faith working through love counts (Galatians 5:6). Discipline can be expressed in love through acts of discipline or by warning against legalistic discipline; spontaneity can be legalistic, and discipline can be an act of faith.
Praying Both in the Closet and in the Spirit
Both are good and necessary; both are found in the Bible. Prayer in the closet and prayer in the Spirit are two very different things, but both are important. The Bible teaches us about the discipline of prayer as well as the spontaneity and freedom of prayer.
Spontaneity in the Spirit
Speaking “in the Spirit” means speaking under the guidance of the Spirit, or speaking energized and assisted by the Spirit; it is the prayer-counterpart to faith in the gospel. The Holy Spirit is at work when we trust God to love and accept us.
How the Gospel Leads to Spontaneous Prayer
God supplies the Spirit by hearing with faith, according to Galatians 3:5, which means that the Spirit moves in our lives and helps us pray and do everything else God calls us to do. We don’t work our way into the Spirit; we trust God that Christ alone will give us the Spirit.
Discipline in the Closet
When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites, Jesus says, “Shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret.” This simple command can be applied to a hundred different ways of praying or disciplining.
How the Gospel Leads Us to Disciplined Prayer
Private prayer, according to Archbishop Desmond Tutu, is a fruit of faith in God’s love for us based solely on Christ, and it is a fruit of faith in God’s love for us based solely on Christ, according to Archbishop Justin Welby.
How do you pray for a specific thing?
God can answer vague prayers, but being specific creates a stronger bond between you and Him. Tell God what you want or need and ask Him to provide it for you.
What are the private prayer?
Private prayer refers to praying alone, which is very important to Christians because it allows them to connect with God on a personal level. Private worship allows Christians to spend time alone with God through prayer, meditation, Bible study, and hymn singing.
How can I pray to God personally?
Learn to Pray in Four Simple Steps
- Step 1: Address Heavenly Father.
- Step 2: Thank Heavenly Father.
- Step 3: Ask Heavenly Father.
- Step 4: Close in the Name of Jesus Christ.
- Praying in a Group.
- Pray Always, With Sincerity, and Faith in Christ.
When I pray Do I pray to Jesus or God?
In Matthew 6, Jesus taught us to pray to God the Father; most examples of prayer in the Bible are prayers addressed directly to God; we can’t go wrong praying to God the Father.
How do I receive God’s blessings?
“Cleanse your mind; clean up your act,” in the fullest sense, as God himself removes your desire for impure thinking and impure ways of acting, purifying your being from the inside out. “Seeing” God: the blessing promised in this beatitude is to know Him as your Father (by being in His presence).
What is the 4 types of prayer?
u201cPrayer is the raising of the mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God,u201d writes John Damascene. This definition encompasses the four main types of prayer: adoration, contrition, thanksgiving, and supplication.
What items do Christians use to pray?
Christians pray with various symbolic objects, such as a cross or crucifix, which reminds them of Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection.
What are the 5 types of prayer?
The Five Different Kinds of Prayer
- Type 1 u2013 Worship and Praise, which acknowledges God for who He is.
- Type 2 u2013 Petition and Intercession.
- Type 3 u2013 Supplication.
- Type 4 u2013 Thanksgiving.
- Type 5 u2013 Spiritual Warfare.
How do I pray to God for a miracle?
Repeat the Catholic “Miracle Prayer” to help you focus: “Lord Jesus, I come before Thee, just as I am, I am sorry for my sins, I repent of my sins, please forgive me, and I forgive all others for what they have done against me in Thy Name.”
How do you pray a powerful prayer?
I hope they inspire you to make the year 2021 a year of prayer.
- Thank him.
- Ask for God’s will.
- Say what you need.
- Ask for forgiveness.
- Pray with a friend.
- Pray the Word.
- Memorize Scripture.
Why is prayer so powerful?
Prayer is a powerful weapon available to anyone who loves God and knows His son Jesus Christ. Prayer energizes a believer’s heart through the power of the Holy Spirit, and consistent prayer releases the power of God’s blessing on your life and circumstances.
What is Jesus real name?
In Hebrew, Jesus’ name was ” Yeshua,” which means “Joshua” in English.
How do I receive the Holy Spirit?
The answer is found in Peter’s Pentecost sermon: “Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Being filled and led by the Spirit of God does not necessitate any significant spiritual effort on our part.