The conversation began...

“What is prayer? Define prayer.”
In church life we throw that word around a lot. “Let’s pray about it,” or “I’ll pray about that,” what does that mean? If I encountered someone who had not idea or concept of prayer how would I define it? What words would I use to quantify prayer?
The more we talked the less of a definition we had. About the time a sentence was spoken it was countered with another aspect of prayer that didn’t seem to fit the definition proposed. In The Disciple’s Study Bible prayer is defined as “communication with God.” In a latter section titled Discipline of Prayer, prayer is described as a “central component in worship, the atmosphere surrounding effective Bible study, and the power behind witnessing. Delving into the depths of prayer life is essential to growth in discipleship” (p. 1761).

I defined it as a “conversation” with God yet communication is a better fitting word. The Bible contains multiple types of prayer including, confession, praise, thanksgiving, petition, intercession, commitment, confidence, for forgiveness (Disciples Study Bible p.1867). Not all of those are conversation for sure. I choose the word conversation out of a reaction to the “normal” lecture style of prayer. I use lecture meaning where I talk at God (not requiring his input), kind of like ordering at a fast food restaurant. I make my requests known, my thanks, and my praise and then I’m done “in Jesus name.” My prayer is one sided for sure and not a conversational relationship. I never give him a chance to get a word in edgewise. Don’t you hate that when someone doesn’t give you a chance? I do. I wonder what God thinks when I do that to Him? Would you call that communication? Do you?

Communication involves an exchange of information verbal and non-verbal. Communication is not limited to ideas alone. Effective communication includes emotions, feelings and context for a true exchange of ideas and passions. Prayer is the first wireless communication. Prayer is essential for a relationship between two parties. I ask how often do stop so God has a chance to get a word in edgewise? I didn’t this morning. What about you?

I found this story last week it illustrates our confusion regarding prayer.
Many years ago, when the Chicago Bears were a football powerhouse, Michael Singletary was leading a chapel before the game. As Michael began to speak, he asked William Perry (aka “The Refrigerator”) to lead the group in the Lord’s Prayer after he finished. Jim McMahon, the quarterback, was sitting in the back next to the team’s chaplain. McMahon whispered to the chaplain, “Look at Perry.” The chaplain looked and saw that Perry was sweating profusely. McMahon continued, “He doesn’t know the Lord’s Prayer.” To which the chaplain responded, “Of course he knows the Lord’s Prayer. Everyone knows it.”
McMahon then showed the chaplain a fifty-dollar bill saying, “I’ll bet you $50 that he doesn’t know it.”
Finally, Singletary finishes his message, and Perry, with great hesitation stands, clears his throat, and says, “Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep…” It is then McMahon turns to the chaplain, hands him the fifty-dollar bill, and says, “I didn’t think he knew it!”
Told in a message titled “The Missing Ingredient” by Paul Decker. Found at http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/the-missing-ingredient-paul-decker-sermon-on-prayer-how-to-87852.asp on 4.21.10
Well, hopefully you do know the difference! Let me know how you define prayer!