Chapter 7 - Disciplined Spirituality - Prayer

Prayer: "The concept of communicating with God, of talking directly and openly with him just as we would talk with an intimate friend, is one of the greatest truths in Scripture." Are we really leveraging the power and wisdom that is available to us in the simple communication with God? Or do we seriously desire to talk with God more than our friends, colleagues, family or .... [you fill in the blank]? Reading through Boa's 10 benefits of prayer on page 94, makes one wonder why we wouldn't tap into this spiritual discipline of prayer even more. 1) Enhances our fellowship and intimacy with God, 2) It is commanded, 3) We follow the example of Christ when we do it, 4) It appropriates God's power for our lives, 5) We receive special help from God, 6) It makes a genuine difference, 7) Prayer develops our understanding and knowledge of God, 8) Our prayers and God's answers give us joy and peace in our hearts, 9) Prayer helps us understand and accomplish God's purposes for our lives, and 10) It changes our attitudes and desires. Take a look at the suggestions to enhance your practice of prayer on pages 94-96. Then review Appendix A to get a better sense for who you are and how that would impact your spiritual discipline of prayer.