Renewal In Christ Mission - An Introduction To Prayer

An Introduction To Prayer
Fr. Yeghia Hairabedian

Have you ever wanted to get God’s attention, to “rock” heaven so to speak? Do you want the excitement and happiness of having the Holy Spirit of God have an active relationship and communication with you? Do you have special needs in your life which seem impossible to attain? Have you been asked to help a friend or a relative, but feel helpless to do so in their situation? Do the spirits of worry and fear plague you? If you answer “yes” to one or all of these questions, then you need to learn what prayer is all about, and the important role it plays in the life of the Christian.

One of the Armenian Church fathers, St. Krikor Naregatsi, has so will described prayer. He describes prayer as “words unto God from the depths of my heart”. Prayer is the opening of one’s innermost thoughts, concerns and desires to God. It is the best thing we can to for God, for others and ourselves. The prayer said in faith opens the gates of heaven and results in action.

Our Lord Jesus prayed regularly. On one occasion when the Disciples were very curious about His regular habit of praying, they asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. He replied by saying “This is how you should pray”, and He proceeded to pray what all Christians regard as the model prayer - the Lord’s Prayer, which begins with a blessing for the Heavenly Father: “Our Father in heaven, blessed be your holy name...” (Matt. 8-13). What was most unusual about this prayer and surprised the Disciples is that Jesus addressed God as “Father”, He addressed God in a most personal way as only a child can relate to his or her father. Up until that time, they had perceived God as One to be feared, and never dared to talk directly to Him. as one’s Father, but only through the mediation of priests. But Jesus Who is called our High Priest, is the Mediator between the Christian and God, so that the child of God can pray directly to God and address Him as “Father”.

He Who was God on earth, set an important example for us to pray with faith and persistence. Concerning faith and persistence in prayer, our Lord gave this valuable lesson: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks the door will be opened.” (Luke 11:9,10). It is most interesting and important to realize that Jesus never taught His Disciples how to preach, but He did teach them how to pray. This should tell us a very important lesson.

The Apostle James gives some important insights about prayer. He writes that if anyone is in trouble, “They should pray”; if there are those who are sick, “They should send for the church elders, who will pray for them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. This prayer made in faith will heal the sick; and the Lord will restore them to health, and the sins they have committed will be forgiven. So then, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you will be healed.” And the Apostle adds this very important conclusion: “The prayer of a righteous person has powerful effect.” (James 5:13-16).

When should I pray? First of all, we need to pray every day for our inner peace and joy with our Heavenly Father - we need His care constantly for our existence and well-being. Prayer will help us get through life, especially in the darkest and most difficult of days. Prayer should be as natural for the child of God as flying is for the birds. Praying formally on Sundays with other worshippers is excellent and necessary, but you should have a special time set aside each day to spend with God in prayer. Open your heart to Him. Express your fears and concerns. Maybe you need help with school work or your heart may be broken because a friend deserted you. Perhaps you have trouble in your home and you need peace of mind. Or you can be in a dangerous situation and may need God’s protection. There are many reasons to pray. Among the important things to pray for are government leaders so they will make the right decisions; for church leaders so they will be good spiritual leaders; for family and friends; for those in need; for yourself! Just one more note about prayer: the MOST POWERFUL prayers are those which are combined with fasting. Prayer with fasting will even defeat evil spirits and empower the believer with much spiritual strength and knowledge!

How can I pray? Many people don’t pray much because they don’t know how to pray. Reading the prayers in God’s Word and those of the Church’s men and women who have written prayers will help much in this direction, serving as models for us. In the Old testament is the Book of Psalms. It is the most excellent collection of prayers which will express your thoughts and open up your heart to God. Read the Psalms as your prayers and you will be blessed. Also, we have the wonderful prayers of St. Nerses the Graceful and St. Krikor of Narek which may be obtained from the Diocesan bookstore.

By the regular habit of prayer, you will be sensitive to God’s voice and will enjoy a life of heavenly blessings and protection. May God bless you abundantly as you reach out to Him in prayer and get God’s attention. He is always delighted to hear from you and to respond to all who ask in faith. Do it, and see how heaven will respond.