The KJV Dictionary Defines Prayer as:
YEARN, YERN, v.i. G. The sense is to strain, or stretch forward. We have earnest from the same root.
Usually, to long; to feel an earnest desire; that is literally, to have a desire or inclination stretching towards the object or end. 1 Kings
Prayer involves a yearning from the heart. A sincere desire in prayer for guidance, understanding, direction and wisdom, as well as an earnest prayers for others.
Prayer should never be just words spoken, but always from the heart.
"But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking." Matthew 6:7
In the above verse, Jesus isn't speaking against praying scriptures, such as the Lord's prayer, or the 23rd Psalm.
He's speaking about repetative prayer, just speaking without considering what the prayer entails, and without the yearning the goes with prayer.
The word of God is living, and when we pray His word it should be done with sincerety and yearning, knowing that we are praying in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus.
"Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Ephesians 6:18
Prayer involves a relationship in and with Christ. When we pray in the Spirit, we are communing with Him. Even when we don't know what to pray God's word tell us this:
"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." Romans 8:26
I love the book of Psalms, because David prayed from the heart.
"My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning." Psalms 130:6
July 15 2017