My Experience with Prayer
by Luciano Cozzi

I remember hearing a great deal of talk about prayer as a Christian discipline. Although I think I cognitively understood what it meant, I just never quite realized how far the impression these words gave me was from the reality. It may have been the word “discipline” which made me think of something I had to do whether I liked it or not. Whatever it was, I never quite grasped the deep, profound meaning of prayer until I was drawn on my knees not by a discipline or any obligation, but by the deep, profound desire to communicate with God.

Perhaps you, too, have approached prayer too much like a duty, or like some mechanical task. I remember when I was going to Bible college and each dorm had its line of “prayer closets,” where we would be able to isolate ourselves from the rest of the dorm life and be at one with God. I entered those closets so many times, but it was never quite the same. At times, I was only there out of a sense of duty, and I kept staring at the sound proof walls, wondering why I could not think of anything much to say to God. Other times, instead, I remember crying my heart out and never seeming to stop. On occasion I would carry my homework there, long after all my companions had finished theirs, and cry out to God asking Him for His inspiration and help because I didn't know enough English to be able to finish my assignments. Other times, I would lock myself in the closet and all I could say was, “Thank you... thank you!”

Many years later I faced what seemed to be the greatest trial of my life. I had suffered great losses: physical (including health), financial and emotional. It felt like someone had suddenly removed the whole world from under my feet. I struggled with it for quite some time. I became angry, depressed, hopeless and I really didn't know where to turn any more. I was spiritually and emotionally shattered. It was then that I decided to lock myself in my bedroom until I had broken through my attitude with God. At first I just knelt in silence. My thoughts were so overwhelming that I was unable to utter a word. Then, I began to cry. I cried, and cried and then cried some more. When the tears ended, I started talking to God about it all. How I felt, what had happened, how I was unable to understand why He had allowed it all. Gradually, it began to be as if God was actually there, with a hand on my shoulder, listening intently and occasionally bringing back to my mind things He had taught me all along. When I finally unlocked the door and emerged from my bedroom, I was changed. Never before had prayer and the Word of God meant so much to me. What changed me, however, was not my prayer nor any discipline I may have been engaged in, but the personal, intimate time I had spent in the presence of God.

Today, as I write about prayer, and I look back at my own personal prayer life, I can see times in which I thought my words were not reaching any further than the ceiling. Other times it seemed as if I was at the very presence of God. I ask myself what made such a difference, and the answer unmistakably revolves around my perceived need for Him. It was in the times of crisis, when it really hurt, that I was brought before Him in the most intimate way, and was able to communicate with Him as never before.

Over time, prayer has been many things to me, but one has become particularly clear: it is no longer just a duty. It is communion, relationship, friendship, worship, love, sharing... all but a simple duty. It is in prayer that I have struggled with my attitudes, my circumstances and my pain with God. It is in prayer that I found Him listening, caring, loving, helping, encouraging, comforting, and transforming me from within. But it has always been different, as it mirrored the many different moments of my walk with Him.

Both the Old and New Testaments offer us a carousel of many examples of prayer as an aspect of a transforming relationship with God. Almost never, however, do we find it isolated from the circumstances of life or stifled by formality to the point of becoming just a duty. As we are brought by life to that place in our heart where we confront ourselves and come in touch with the way God sees us, we are transformed by His constant presence and by the intimate relationship He calls us to share with Him through it all.

In Scripture we find Abraham meeting God in the exercise of hospitality not just as a duty, but as an act of fellowship with Him, which made it possible for Abraham to communicate and commune with God. We find Jacob being transformed by God through the insights that his family members provided into his heart. At the end, we see him transformed into a man of faith as he prays for his children (Hebrews 11:21). Joseph discovered a relationship with God through many years of imprisonment, but we find him at the end acknowledging the sovereignty of God in his life. Moses, perhaps more than any other, communicated regularly with God, but it was in his experiences of leadership that Moses found his deepest relationship with God. Job struggled with God in his physical and emotional suffering, and learned much about himself as God confronted him in response to his prayers. Paul was often brought to his knees by the challenges of his ministry and the sufferings to which he was exposed in the name of Jesus. Much more can be said, of course, but it already seems quite evident that God shapes our relationship with Him through the many experiences of our life, and especially those that move us to express to Him our gratitude and joy, or our sadness and pain in prayer.

Prayer, then, is much more than just a practice. It is our communication with God, our time in His presence, our fellowship with Him which shapes our relationship with the very One who loved us so much to give Himself for us. Today, I pray almost always, and not necessarily on my knees. I share with God my faults and shortcomings, as well as my challenges and successes. I talk to Him as I work, as I walk, as I eat, and yes, even as I talk to people who need help. It is a lifeline that is always open, but it is not a one-way line of communication. It is fellowship and intimacy being developed with the One who made me and sustains me, the One who loves me even despite who I am, and always listens.
Some Characteristics of Biblical Prayer 
Joshua 7:1-26
Biblical prayer is humble, sincere and honest.

2 Chron. 6:1-42
Biblical prayer is specific yet wide ranging.

Matthew 6:5-15
Biblical prayer is personal.
It acknowledges who God is, and His sovereign role in our life.
It acknowledges who we are, and our total dependence on God.
It asks for and relies on God's guidance.
It acknowledges our interdependence on each other, and brings up to God the needs of others as well.

John 17:1-26
Biblical prayer recognizes the spiritual warfare that is waged around us.
It does not ask God for a way of escape, but rather for the victory we have in Christ.
It binds us with God and with other believers.

James 5:13-20
Biblical prayer includes confession, which clears the way for true worship to occur.

Psalm 9:1-20
Biblical prayer is praise and thanksgiving, and it focuses our hearts on the grace of God.

1 Tim 2:2; 2 Cor. 1:11; Phil. 1:19; Eph 6:18
Biblical prayer intercedes for others.
Bits & Pieces - Food for thought on the subject of Prayer 
Prayer and Pretzels
There is an interesting relationship between prayer and pretzels.  These tasty snacks were first made in northern Italy about A.D. 610.  A monk who had been baking bread had some dough left over, so he formed it into thin, pencil-like rolls. Then he twisted them into little figures representing children with their arms folded in prayer!  Coating them with syrup and salt, he put them in the oven along with the loaves. When they turned out to be very appetizing, he got an idea. Why not give these delicious morsels to the boys and girls who memorized their Bible verses and learned their catechism lessons in recognition of the efforts they had put forth?  Because he intended to use them for that purpose, he called them pretiola, which means "little reward."  He explained to the youngsters that he had twisted the dough to represent them as they talked to the Lord in their special times of prayer.

Encourage Someone!
When Wilbur Chapman first began preaching, his delivery was quite ineffective, and he became discouraged. A few elders in his church, however, pledged to pray for him and assured him that God had a place for him in His service. Their encouragement and prayers kept him in the pastorate and were undoubtedly a factor in making Chapman one of the best known American evangelists of the turn of the century.

Thankfulness Transforms
In the early days of the settlement of the West, travelers encountered considerable difficulty. One party of pioneers on the Oregon Trail had suffered greatly from a scarcity of water and grass.  Some of the wagons had broken down, causing delays in the stifling heat.  Along with these adverse circumstances came a general feeling of fretfulness.  Optimism and cheer were gone. One night a meeting was called for the purpose of airing their complaints.  When they had gathered around the campfire, one of them arose and said, "Before we do anything else, I think we should first thank God that we have come this far with no loss of life, with no serious trouble from the Indians, and that we have enough strength left to finish our journey."  After the prayer, there was silence.  No one had any grievances which they felt were important enough to voice. Thankfulness often transforms a grumbling spirit into one of contentment, enabling us to see the many mercies of God that we ordinarily would overlook.

The Service of Prayer
An elderly Christian lady, Clara Howell, had been bedridden for many years.  Realizing one day that our Lord's command in Matthew 9 affords many who are laid aside by sickness a profitable avenue of service, she penned these poetic words:

     If the shut-ins all united
     in one voice of common prayer,
     What a ceaseless shower of blessing
     would be falling everywhere!
     Though so weak and oft-times helpless,
     they could wield a mighty power,
     Lifting up their soul's petition
     to the Savior hour by hour.
     Never soldier in fierce conflict
     could a higher honor bring
     Than the shut-in who's performing
     “secret service” for the King!

Practice His Presence!
Dr. Andrew Bonar, a man of God, wrote in his diary:  "Tonight I gave myself to a time of waiting upon the Lord.  I had not been much in the spirit of prayer, but now several things have become clear to me.  I realize I have not communed enough with the Lord, nor come to Him as often as I should.  Little forethought has been given to the requests I've made.  There has been much conversing and outward engagement with men, but I have not been occupied enough with God himself.  I also realize that a closeness to Him gives abundant strength and is like sunlight shining through the clouds on a gloomy day."

Inconsistent Prayer
One morning at the breakfast table a father asked the blessing as usual.  Quoting Bible verses, he piously thanked the Lord for all His bountiful provisions.  After he concluded, however, he grumbled loudly about the poor quality of the food and berated his wife for the way it was cooked. He seemed to be disgruntled with everything. Finally his young daughter interrupted him. "Dad," she began, "do you think God heard what you said when you prayed?"  "Certainly," he replied confidently. "And did He also hear when you complained about the bacon and coffee just now?"  "Why, of course!" "Then which did God believe?"

Tell it First to Jesus!
Mrs. Oswald Chambers once said of her husband, "Like all teachers of forceful personality, he constantly had people longing to pour out their intimate troubles to him.  I remember at the close of one meeting a woman came up to him with the words, 'Oh, Mr. Chambers, I feel I must tell you about myself.' As he led her away to a quiet corner, I resigned myself to a long wait; but he was back again in a few minutes.  As we went home, I remarked on the speed with which he managed to free himself, and he replied, 'I just asked her if she had ever told God all about herself.  When she said she hadn't, I advised her to go home and pour out before Him as honestly as she could all her troubles, then see if she still needed to relate them to me.'"

Doctors Who Work with God
In a large metropolitan hospital a famous surgeon always spent a few moments alone before entering the operating room.  Because of his remarkable skill and calm composure, many of the young doctors wondered if there might be a relationship between his outstanding success and this unusual procedure.  Finally one of the interns got up enough courage to ask him.  "Yes," replied the specialist, "there's a very definite connection between the two.  Before each operation I specifically ask the Great Physician to be with me and to guide my hands.  I freely admit that on many occasions I am confronted with very delicate situations or unexpected conditions in my patient, and I hardly know what to do next.  At such times I immediately become conscious of God's help.  He always gives me the wisdom I need to complete the surgery successfully. I never take my scalpel in hand without first seeking His aid."
     This story spread rapidly by word of mouth throughout the city.  Then one day a father brought his little daughter to the hospital. Although he couldn't remember the name of the physician, he said he wanted to talk with specialist who "worked with God" and was noted for praying.  The man expressed confidence only in him, and insisted that he should be the one to operate on his child.

Living Close to Jesus
In the 17th century a bishop named Francois de Fenelon wrote these instructive words regarding our relationship to the Lord: "Tell Him all that is in your heart like one who unloads his pent-up feelings to a dear friend.  People who have no secrets from each other are never in want for subjects on which to converse. They do not struggle for something to say, they just talk out of the abundance of their love.  Blessed are they who attain to such familiar, unreserved relationship with Him."

What Can I Do for You?
A prominent individual recently said that his little daughter often supplements her usual evening prayer with many requests for special favors from the Lord.  However, one night – as a sweet afterthought – she closed with the words, "And now, God, what can I do for You?"

Pray Together – stay Together
A college senior escorted a visiting minister around campus where he was to speak.  That night, when the minister stopped by the student's room for a brief visit, he noticed on the young man's desk a picture of a beautiful girl.  "She's lovely!" he said.  "I think so too," said the student.  "We're going to be married at the end of the school year."  Then he added, "While we were dating during the summer, money was scarce so we couldn't do much or go places.  We just spent quiet times with each other and frequently we prayed together."  "You pray?" asked the minister. "Do you mind telling me what you pray about?" "No," replied the student.  "Sometimes I pray and sometimes she prays, but we say much the same thing.  We ask God to help us be as true to each other all our married life as we are now."  As the minister rose to go, he extended his hand and said, "He will.  Never stop praying that prayer."

Asking the King for Help
An ancient legend tells of a monarch who hired some people to make tapestries and garments for him.  Among the workers was a young child who was selected because he was especially skilled at weaving.  The king gave the silk and the patterns to the employees with strict instructions to seek his aid immediately if any difficulties arose. The boy, left to work by himself, made quiet and steady progress while the others were distressed by their many failures.  One day they gathered around the youngster and inquired, "Why are you so happy and successful while we are always having trouble?  Either our silk becomes tangled or our weaving varies from the pattern."  "Don't you remember the words of the king when he told us to send for him whenever it was necessary?"  said the lad.  "We finally did ask for his assistance," replied the others, "but by then things were so snarled that now it will take days to unravel our mistakes."  "Didn't you notice how often I called for him?"  he inquired.  "Yes, but he's very busy, and we thought you were wrong in disturbing him so frequently."  "Well," replied the youngster, "I just took him at his word, and he was always happy to help me!"

A Voice in the Morning!
There's a beautiful painting that depicts a Christian farmer who has left his plow and turned aside in the early glow of morning to pray.  The outstanding thing about the picture, however, is that while the man is lifting his heart to God, an angel is going on with his plowing for him!  It is a "parable in paint" which seeks to impart the blessed truth that the moments we spend looking up are not lost time!

What to Do When Fainting
Hudson Taylor was so feeble in the closing months of his life that he said to a dear friend, “I'm so weak that I can't work nor read my Bible, and I can hardly pray.  I can only lie still in God's arms like a little child and trust.”

Pray Anyway!
A woman went to Andrew Murray with the problem of feeling she couldn't pray.  He said, "Why, then, do you not try this?  As you go to your inner chamber, however cold and dark your heart my be, do not try in your own might to force yourself into the right attitude.  Bow before Him, and tell Him that He sees in what a sad state you are, and that your only hope is in Him. Trust Him, with a childlike trust, to have mercy upon you, and wait upon Him.  You have nothing – He has everything." The woman later told Murray that his advice had helped her.  She discovered that her trust in Christ's love for her could help her pray, even when prayer did not come easily.

Hindered Prayers
"If I should die before I wake," said young Danny praying at Mother's knee.  "If I should die before I wake – if I should die – "  "Go on, go on, Danny," said his mother, "you know the rest of the prayer."  "Wait a minute," interrupted the small boy.  Scrambling to his feet, he hurried downstairs.  In a short time he was back. Dropping to his knees once again, he took up his petition where he had left off.  Finally when the little fellow was safely tucked in bed, his mother questioned him and issued a loving rebuke about the interruption.  "Mom, I did think about what I was saying," said the youngster defensively, "but I had to stop.  You see, I put all Ted's wooden soldiers on their heads just to see how bothered he'd be in the morning.  If I should die before I wake, I wouldn't want him to find them that way, so I had to go down and fix them the right way. There are lots of things that seem fun if you're going to keep on living, but you don't want them that way if you should die before you wake!" "You're right, dear," said his mother with a quaver in her voice, for she thought of herself and many other grownups who should have stopped in the middle of their prayers to undo some wrong against another.

How to Get Rid of the Preacher
"A well-meaning group of laymen from a neighboring church came to see a pastor one day. They wanted advice on a painless method of getting rid of their pastor.  Here's what he told them:
1. Look him straight in the eye while he is preaching and say amen once in awhile; he'll preach himself to death.
2. Pat him on the back and tell him his good points; before you know it, he'll work himself to death.
3. Rededicate your own life to Christ and ask your minister for a job to do; he'll die of heart failure.
4. Get the church to unite in prayer for him, and he'll soon become so effective that a larger congregation will take him off your hands."

A Basket of Thanksgivings
An old legend tells of two angels sent by the Heavenly Father to earth for the purpose of gathering requests and notes of praise from His children.  The one messenger named Prayer carried a large basket, for it would be filled with many petitions.  The other whose name was Thanksgiving had only a small basket, since very few expressions of gratitude would be conveyed to Heaven from the hundreds who had been blessed by the Lord.

Foolish Pride
The story is told of a famous multimillionaire who, while attending a dinner, heard a discussion on the subject of prayer. After listening for a while, the man of means exclaimed with a sneer, "Prayer may be all right for some of you, but I don't need it.  Everything I have today I've worked hard for, and I earned it all myself.  I didn't ask God for anything."  A university president listened politely, then said to the braggart, "There is one thing you don't have that you might pray for."  Startled, the millionaire blurted out, "And what might that be?"  The educator replied gently, "Sir, you could pray for humility."

Listen to the Architect
The "Sunday School Chronicle" relates:  "An architect complains that many of his clients come and ask him to design a house for them, only to indicate quickly that they have already designed it.  What they really want is the sanction of their plan, and the satisfaction of seeing him draw on paper what they have in their own minds. In very much the same way we often go to the Great Architect of our lives.  We ask for wisdom and guidance, but we have already planned how we will build our fortune and shape our course.  It is not His way we are seeking, but His approval of ours."

The Danger of an "Unused Pump"
The day was warm and muggy.  Two other men were enjoying a round of golf, but their thirst increased with every step they took. Then they spotted it - an old-fashioned pump near one of the tees.  They began working the handle up and down, up and down, but nothing happened!  Thinking that the old relic no longer functioned, they started to walk away.  "Stay with it a little longer," someone said.  So they tried again, and after an extended session of pumping, water came.  They should have remembered that if a pump hasn't been used for a long time, it takes a while to get results.  But if it is used frequently, little effort is needed.  Quite often water flows out at the first stroke because the level is high.
  What a striking analogy to prayer!  If we are faithful in practicing it, every circumstance creates in us a desire to lift our hearts heavenward.  But if we neglect it, we soon lose our interest in communing with God.  Someone has suggested that the human heart is a leaky vessel and that the tendency of spirituality, like water, is downward.  That's why when we become lax in praying, it isn't long until we get out of the habit entirely.  In some cases, only a dead formality is retained, having no value for the soul and providing no fellowship with the Lord. Let's keep our prayer pump well primed.

How to Have a Revival
When British evangelist Gypsy Smith was asked how to start a revival, he said, "Go home, lock yourself in your room, kneel down in the middle of your floor.  Draw a chalk mark all around yourself and ask God to start the revival inside that chalk mark.  When He has answered your prayer, the revival will be on."

When Morse Prayed for Wisdom
The inventor of the telegraph, Samuel F. B. Morse, was asked,  "Professor Morse, when you were making your experiments at the university, did you ever come to a standstill, not knowing what to do next?'  "Oh, yes, more than once."  "Then what did you do?'  "I've never discussed this with anyone, so the public knows nothing about it.  But now that you ask me, I'll tell you frankly--I prayed for more light."  "And did God give you the wisdom and knowledge you needed?"  "Yes, He did," said Morse.  "That's why I never felt I deserved the honors that came to me from America and Europe because of the invention associated with my name. I had made a valuable application of the use of electrical power, but it was all through God's help. It wasn't because I was superior to other scientists.  When the Lord wanted to bestow this gift on mankind, He had to use someone.  I'm just grateful He chose to reveal it to me."  In view of these facts, it's not surprising that the inventor's first message over the telegraph was: "What hath God wrought!"
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