Topical Encyclopedia
Prayer, within the Christian tradition, is fundamentally understood as a means of drawing near to God. This concept is deeply rooted in Scripture and reflects the intimate relationship between the believer and the Divine. The act of prayer is not merely a ritualistic practice but a profound expression of faith and dependence on God.
Biblical FoundationsThe Bible frequently portrays prayer as an approach to the presence of God. In the Old Testament, the psalmist declares, "The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call out to Him in truth" (
Psalm 145:18). This verse underscores the accessibility of God to those who earnestly seek Him through prayer. The nearness of God is not a physical proximity but a spiritual closeness that is cultivated through sincere communication with Him.
In the New Testament, the book of Hebrews encourages believers to draw near to God with confidence: "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (
Hebrews 4:16). This passage highlights the privilege of prayer, where believers are invited to come boldly before God, assured of His mercy and grace.
The Role of FaithFaith is a crucial component in drawing near to God through prayer.
Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." This verse emphasizes that faith is the foundation upon which prayer is built. Believers must trust in God's existence and His willingness to respond to their prayers.
Intimacy and RelationshipPrayer as drawing near to God also signifies the deepening of the believer's relationship with Him.
James 4:8 exhorts, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." This call to draw near is both an invitation and a promise. As believers seek God with pure hearts, they experience His presence more fully, fostering a closer relationship with Him.
The Example of JesusJesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of drawing near to God through prayer. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus is depicted as frequently withdrawing to solitary places to pray, demonstrating His dependence on and communion with the Father. In
Mark 1:35 , it is recorded, "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed." Jesus' prayer life exemplifies the importance of seeking God's presence and guidance.
The Transformative Power of PrayerPrayer not only draws believers near to God but also transforms them. As they spend time in God's presence, they are conformed to His will and character.
Romans 12:2 encourages believers, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Through prayer, believers align their thoughts and desires with God's purposes, resulting in spiritual growth and maturity.
ConclusionPrayer, as described in the Bible, is a vital means of drawing near to God. It is an expression of faith, a deepening of relationship, and a transformative practice that brings believers into closer communion with their Creator. Through prayer, Christians experience the nearness of God, His guidance, and His sustaining grace.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Psalm 73:28But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all your works.
Torrey's Topical TextbookHebrews 10:22
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
This State of Prayer not one of Idleness, but of Noble Action ...
... Some people, hearing of the prayer of silence, have wrongly imagined that ... What is
this "drawing near"? ... soul is converted in the manner I have described, it has ...
/.../a short method of prayer and spiritual torrents/chapter xvi this state of.htm
The Noble Results of this Species of Prayer
... persons, when they hear of the prayer of silence ... This drawing near unto God, is the
beginning of Union. ... is introverted in the manner before described, it gets ...
/.../guyon/a short and easy method of prayer/chapter xxi the noble results.htm
Our Lord Helps Her to Become a Nun. Her Many Infirmities.
... for the month of April, which was drawing near, that I ... to follow the way of prayer
it described with all ... and make a beginning of that way of prayer, with this ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter iv our lord helps.htm
What is the Power of Prayer? Also Concerning the Blessed ...
... but should, in very truth, be drawing ourselves and ... Divinity, must we begin with
prayer: not as ... extraordinary psychic experiences, which are described in his ...
/.../rolt/dionysius the areopagite/chapter iii what is the.htm
Relation 1. Sent to St. Peter of Alcantara in 1560 from the ...
... people who used to give themselves to prayer fall away ... All this I have described,
together with a very ... an Ave Maria, or through my drawing near to communicate ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/relation 1 sent to st.htm
Mental Prayer.
... How is religious obedience described in Scripture ... life what the beating of the pulse
and the drawing of the ... Or supposing he has to repeat the same prayer for a ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon xv mental prayer.htm
The Contrast.
... He is not described as an extortioner or unjust. ... We have in God's Church, and Sacraments,
in God's Word, and in Prayer, the means of drawing near to our ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon xxxvi the contrast.htm
Confession and Absolution
... catastrophe or a sudden accident, while drawing near to the ... II. Having thus briefly
described this confession, I come more ... There is in the Prayer Book of the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/confession and absolution.htm
The visitation
... As the time was now drawing near when Joseph wished ... Besides the clothes already
described the Blessed Virgin wore a ... I recited the Magnificat in prayer with them ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/ix the visitation.htm
Jehovah-Shammah: a Glorious Name for the New Year
... wing, to the future that is drawing near, we bethink ... have said that, you have not
fully described it, for ... prayer, for, God being there, every prayer was spoken ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/jehovah-shammah a glorious name for.htm
Resources
Questions about Prayer (All) | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the purpose of prayer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a prayer circle? | GotQuestions.orgPrayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
