The Discipline of Prayer

In our walk with God, prayer is not simply a ritual or a tool for asking things; it is a discipline that aligns us with God's heart and His will. Many believers see prayer as a quick-fix solution or a way to get what they desire. However, true prayer involves a dedication and discipline akin to that of a priest in the Old Testament, who served daily at the temple altar. This blog explores the purpose and role of prayer through the lens of scripture, especially focusing on our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit, drawing from biblical examples and teachings.

1 Corinthians 6:19 (KJV): "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?"

In the New Testament, God no longer resides in a physical temple built by human hands. As Paul explains, our bodies have become the temple of the Holy Spirit. This is significant because, in the Old Testament, the temple was where God’s presence resided, and only the priests could enter and perform specific duties. They were disciplined and reverent, understanding the holiness of their calling. Similarly, we are now called to live with the same awareness of God’s presence within us.

Acts 17:24 (KJV): "God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands."

As believers, understanding that God dwells within us means seeing ourselves as His temple. This shift in perspective calls us to adopt a discipline in our spiritual life, treating our bodies as sacred and honoring God with our lives.

To appreciate the discipline required in prayer, it’s helpful to reflect on the Old Testament concept of the temple and the duties of the priests. In Exodus, we see the detailed instructions for priests to continually offer sacrifices and burn incense before God. This daily ritual wasn't just tradition; it was a way to honor, atone, and communicate with God.

Exodus 29:25, 36 (KJV):

"And thou shalt offer every day a bullock for a sin offering for atonement... and thou shalt anoint it and sanctify it."

The priesthood required discipline and dedication. The priests had a routine, offering sacrifices daily as an act of devotion and obedience. They did not take their role lightly, understanding that this was their calling and their purpose.

In the same way, our daily prayer is a sacrifice, a time set aside to seek God. Like the priests, we have a duty to come before God daily, not just when we feel the need but as a discipline of worship and communication with Him.

In the New Testament, Jesus is introduced as our Chief High Priest, the ultimate intercessor who stands between God and humanity. The book of Hebrews explains that Jesus fulfills the role of High Priest eternally, offering a better covenant and making intercession for us before God.

Hebrews 7:24-25 (KJV): "But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them."

Jesus' role as our Chief High Priest highlights the call for all believers to take up the mantle of priesthood in our own lives. As followers of Christ, we are called to mirror His example by praying and interceding not only for ourselves but for others. Jesus, in His role, prays for God's will to be accomplished on earth, and as priests under His guidance, we are to do the same. This includes interceding for God’s purposes in our communities, families, and the lives of those who may not yet know Him.

Hebrews 4:14-16 (KJV) reminds us that Jesus, our High Priest, understands our struggles and weaknesses, yet He stands in perfect alignment with the Father. "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession… Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

As priests, we are called not just to pray for our own needs but to intercede earnestly for others, caring deeply about their direction and spiritual well-being. If we truly love God, this love should overflow into concern for others, as God’s heart is for all people. Our role as priests is to bring before God the needs, struggles, and salvation of others, asking that His will be done in their lives.

In taking on this responsibility, we reflect Jesus’ compassion and commitment, standing in the gap for those who may be struggling, lost, or disconnected from God. Just as Jesus intercedes for us, we are invited to follow His example, bringing others before the throne of grace.

Revelation 1:6 (KJV): "And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."

Through Christ's sacrifice, we have been made kings and priests, given the privilege of entering God's presence directly. This priesthood, however, comes with responsibilities. Imagine an Old Testament priest who does not know how to offer a daily sacrifice yet goes around calling himself a priest. Such a person would be ineffective and dishonoring their role. In the same way, many believers today do not realize the importance of daily prayer, yet they identify as followers of Christ.

True prayer is not treating God as a genie to fulfill our desires. Instead, it is aligning with His heart and will for our lives, our families, and our communities. Our responsibility as priests is to pray daily, offering ourselves to God in humility and submission.

Matthew 6:9-11 (KJV):

"Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven."

Prayer is much more than talking to God; it is a two-way communication where we express our hearts and listen to His. Jesus taught us to pray for God’s kingdom and will to be established on earth. This is a powerful reminder that prayer is not about getting our way but aligning ourselves with God’s way.

Many believers, however, approach prayer with a self-centered mindset, focusing on their own desires rather than seeking God’s will. This approach often hinders their ability to hear His voice, as their own will takes precedence in their hearts.

Genesis 6:6 (KJV) and Exodus 32:14 (KJV) demonstrate times when God responded to the prayers and intercessions of His people. The voice of God is often released through our prayers, and it is through prayer that we can discern and accomplish His will on earth. When we pray according to His will, we become aligned with His purposes, enabling His power to move in our lives and in the world.

A relationship with God is cultivated through communion, and this communion begins with prayer. Just as you cannot be friends with someone without knowing their heart, we cannot claim a relationship with God without seeking to know His will. Prayer is more than asking—it is listening, understanding, and growing closer to God.

When we are focused on our desires, it’s challenging to discern God’s voice because we are preoccupied with our own. This leads to a shallow relationship, where God becomes merely a means to an end. To truly be friends of God, we must seek His heart and align ourselves with His purposes. This requires a shift from "selfship" to genuine friendship.

James 4:8 (KJV):"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you..."

Drawing near to God requires daily discipline. As priests, we must lay down our own will and desires and prioritize God's will. This is the essence of true prayer, where our hearts are focused not on what we want but on what God wants for us.

True prayer involves repentance and turning away from self-centered intentions. When we come to God in prayer, we are invited to repent of "dead works" and seek after God's heart. This repentance is essential, as it cleanses our hearts and prepares us to hear God’s voice clearly.

Romans 12:1-2 (KJV): "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Presenting ourselves as a living sacrifice involves laying aside our own will and desires to align with God's. This requires daily discipline, humility, and a sincere heart.

As believers, we are called to a discipline of daily prayer, treating it not as a mere routine or an occasional need but as a vital part of our spiritual life. Prayer is our responsibility and our privilege, enabling us to fulfill our role as priests in God’s kingdom. By understanding our bodies as temples, aligning our prayers with God's will, and drawing near to His heart, we deepen our relationship with Him and live out our calling effectively.

Let us commit to a disciplined, sincere life of prayer, seeking God's will above our own and embracing our priestly role with reverence. As Jesus taught, "Men ought always to pray, and not to faint" (Luke 18:1, KJV). When we approach prayer with this understanding, we will see God's kingdom come in our lives, our families, and our communities.