Cultivating a Deeper Prayer Life - A Theology of Prayer

Study 2

Text: Luke 4:1-13; Matt. 4:1-11

MOTIVATION TO SUCCEED IN DEVELOPING A PRAYER-LIFE

Would you really like to have a deep and meaningful prayer-life? How far are we prepared to go to succeed in developing a deep prayer-life? As much as we recognize the importance of "motivation" to succeed in "secular" life, so must we understand that we need motivation to help us succeed in our spiritual endeavours.

What were some of the things that could have served as "motivation" for the Lord Jesus to spend 40 days and nights in fasting and prayer? Let us look at three things in particular:-

1. THE FILLING OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD

We have already noted the involvement of the Spirit of God. It will take nothing less than the filling of the Holy Spirit to bring about a deep sense of motivation to develop a powerful prayer-life.

2. A DEEP LOVE FOR GOD

There must also be a deep sense of love for the Father in order to sustain the pursuit of a deep prayer-life. A careful study of the Gospel of John reveals that there was a very deep relationship of love between the Father and the Son. It would take a great depth of love on the part of the Lord Jesus to sustain His effort and determination to see His Father in fasting and prayer.

3. A DEEP LOVE FOR MAN

There must also have been a deep love for man as well. It is well enough to speak of love for God, but there must also be a deep love for erring, and sinful mankind. Love enables a person to attempt and achieve many things in life. This is also true with reference to spiritual endeavours.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE WORD "CULTIVATION"

It is important that we understand the significance of the word, "cultivation" with reference to our prayer life. Let us try and imagine ourselves in the place of the Lord Jesus as we seek to understand the word "cultivation."

Can you imagine what it means to actually fast for forty days and nights?

1. What would the first 10 days be like?

There would at first be a tremendous sense of purpose in seeking God in prayer.
There would be tremendous grit and determination involved.
There would be a great sense of awareness of the Presence of the Father.
There would be such a deep sense of love to do the Father's will.

2. What would the next 10 days be like?

The struggles with physical hunger would begin.
There would be also a battle against physical fatigue.
There must be wisdom in the conservation of physical strength.
There is triumph because there is focus on the Father and His Will.

3. What would the third quarter be like?

The Spirit of God and His infilling must become even more real.
The Word of God must come again and again to sustain the spirit.
The sense of purpose must become a tremendous source of power.
The human will must be made of iron to persevere in prayer.

4. What would the last 10 days be like?

There would be a greater sense of depth of soul now.
The home stretch would have granted even greater clarity of vision.
The soul has been tested and it has passed a great test.
The will of God is now the central focus of the soul.

Many areas of life must be cultivated. The body, the mind, the spirit, the will, etc. These are the things that must be cultivated if we are to truly succeed in developing a strong prayer-life!

A deep prayer-life is what we should be looking at, and not just learning how to say prayers to God. There is a vast difference between sustaining a deep prayer-life and merely mouthing prayers.

CAN WE SURVIVE A WEEK OF SUSTAINED SPIRITUAL EFFORT?

Let us take time to read again the account of the Lord Jesus Christ in the wilderness. Imagine yourself spending a week in solitude in the wilderness. Think of what it means to pass a week with no access to a computer, no TV, no telephone, no contact with anyone, not even a book to read - do you think you can survive?

Let us be deeply challenged to cultivate a strong and disciplined body. Let us also seek to cultivate a powerful mindset. Let us also not forget that we must work at developing a strong spirit. These are some of the things that we must cultivate if we hope to succeed in developing a strong and deep prayer-life.

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~