Prayer. 1st Thessalonians 5:17 The second command that connects us with God as believers is our communion with Him through prayer. This act is a conscious choice to stay in constant contact with God. It lifts us above the stress of life that can hinder us when we try to "go it alone." In this way, prayer is an attitude of being aware of God's presence at all times, even if we don't speak to Him constantly. We need to set aside specific times to pray and express ourselves in words of "Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication" to God in our "closet." In this context, prayer involves dealing with God in faith while we work, sing, face danger, or endure suffering. The awareness of fellowship and communion with God is our voluntary response to His command.
Our joy in our inner spiritual life relies on consistent contact and communication with God. When we are mindful of God's presence, words are often unnecessary because there is a deep awareness that God understands our thoughts and intentions. If that connection is broken, joy disappears, and complaints arise.
The habit and attitude of constant interaction with God are not impossible when we are aware of His presence. Difficult times can become sources of joy when prayer is practiced with a grateful attitude for all of God’s mercies. We know we don’t deserve even the smallest of them or the blessings He freely bestows, but when we turn to Him with our unspoken thoughts and open actions, He provides the appropriate answers according to His will.
Faith is essential to prayer. “He that comes to God must believe that He is, and is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Faith recognizes God’s interest, opens the minds and hearts of those who pray, and expresses our thoughts from our perspective. Praying in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ gives us confidence in His authority and intercession behind our requests, thanksgiving, and intercession. He makes what we cannot express acceptable and knows whether we are seeking answers to lustful desires or harboring iniquity in our hearts. Confessing and forsaking sin is vital to prayer. A man's proper attitude toward his wife is also crucial. An earnest, specific prayer with the right attitude toward God, others, life, and events is powerful. When our motive in prayer is, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” remarkable and strong results can follow.