Duncan Christian Reformed Church

How to Pray

How do we know whether or not we have actually prayed to God? How will we be able to tell we've gotten through to the God of the universe we can call, "Father"? R.A. Torrey (1856-1928) had the experience of praying every night since he was a child; he was taught to do so by his parents. He continued to pray even at a time in his life when he doubted God was real, whether Jesus had truly risen from the dead, and other sorts of foundational things of faith. It was, in other words, "just" a habit, a routine, a going-through-the-motions affair. Then he discovered a very simple act that transformed his prayer life for ever. He writes, "But the day came when I realized what real prayer meant, realized that prayer was having an audience with God, actually coming into the presence of God and asking and getting things from Him" (The Power of Prayer). So the promise of Scripture is this: Come near to God and he will come near to you (Jam 4:8). See also Deuteronomy 4:29 and Jeremiah 29:13-14.

Prayer is a little like going for a swim. There are two ways to enter the pool: jump right in! This we could call reserved for emergency praying. Or we can test the water with our toe, wade in slow and sure. This is a little how we can enter into God's presence. Before we pray we need to turn our hearts toward God, paying attention to him. Do we sense his presence? Don't say anything until then! Do we believe he is near us? Only begin praying when that is established in our hearts and minds. His presence will give us a feeling of warmth, peace, love, contentment.

Pastor Walt Vanderwerf