CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER… Creating Your Unbreakeable Bond in Communion with GOD

And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. Luke 6:12

Before Jesus ministered, after he ministered, before He spoke into the lives of anyone, After He spoke into the lives of the people, Jesus spent time in the presence of GOD in prayer.

His ministry bore the sign and the signature of prayer unceasing.

“And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it (prayer, praise & worship) and to keep it (guard and protect the anointing).” Gen 2:15

(Ref: Adam was not in Agriculture).

“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.“ Genesis 2:7

We learned earlier of the deeper prophetic meaning of this verse which reveals to us that…“Man became a Speaking Spirit”

Mankind’s utmost power is the ability to communicate, and his first communication was expressed between himself and GOD.

Mankind has an intrinsic need to communicate with his creator. If that is not the case, why do we spend an enormous amount of time, energy, conversation and thought centered around such questions: as:

Whether or not there is a GOD?
How was the universe created?
Is there a First Mover of the universe?
Are we alone in the universe?

We have an insatiable need to understand the beginnings of everything, especially ourselves.

Our spirit needs some time to talk with the Spirit of GOD.

Mankind is Created to Speak with GOD, spirit to Spirit

Communication is the substance of relationships and all of our relationships are spiritual. From the relationships that bless us, to the ones that vex us, our communication connects or divides us spiritually.

GOD breathe life into man and man became a speaking spirit, created to communicate. First to GOD and then to each other, into the world and everything in it.

Like us, relationships are also created with the breath of life. All relationships are founded upon and sustained by communication. Someone must say something.

What we say, when, why, how we say it… our speech defines us, our world and others. Life and death reside in the power of our tongues.

We edify, build up and encourage, or we tear down, damage and destroy, by the very breath of our speech.

What we speak into our own existence and into the lives of others, has power, momentum, substance, and weight.

When directed toward GOD with intention, contemplation and focus, speech is elevated to the level of prayer.

…and Prayer is more than just talk.

We have the power to change the circumstances of a situation by what we speak about it.

Prayer is a lot like gravity. It pulls everything around it towards its center, even light.

Gravity is one of the forces in the universe that is the most difficult to explain scientifically.

The Power of Prayer is a force in the universe that exist, despite any difficulty the church may have in explaining it spiritually.

Prayer is a spiritual element and can only be understood in spiritual terms.

Prayer affects space and time; past, present and future.

Prayer is our mechanism in which we speak to GOD. It has no fixed place. Prayer penetrates all realms and dimensions.

Prayer is what naturally emerges from a relationship with GOD.

The greater the communication the stronger the relationship. The weaker the communication, the weaker the relationship.

One of the most critical signs that a relationship is in trouble is when communication is compromised. Lack of communication precedes loss of communication, which is the pre-eminent sign of distress in any relationship.

Once communication ceases, the relationship suffers a death. Anyone who has ever suffered a damaged relationship, understands first hand, the spiritual death experienced from severed or severing communication.

The only way we can breathe life into the relationship again, is by finding a way back to communication.

Somewhere and at some point, we broke off communication with GOD.

Mankind was created to communicate with GOD through prayer, and prayer is how we find our way back to GOD.

Even though our spirit, created to communicate with GOD first (avodah), we have eliminated and/or substituted family, friends, loved ones, even nature itself, in place of direct communication with GOD.

Prayer and Praying are 2 Different Things.

Speak to any veteran of prayer and they will confirm that “prayer” is much more than a 5, 10, or 15 minute prayer session. There are many levels of prayer.

Christianity has formalized 3 levels of prayer.

Vocal Prayer (i.e., petition, intercession, thanksgiving, blessing, praise, confession)
- Surface Level of prayer; Essential, developmental, powerful,
Meditation (i.e., reflection, study, practicing the presence of GOD)
- Reflective level of prayer on teachings, scriptures, purpose, destiny, decisions…
Contemplation (i.e., awareness of the divine, coming to know GOD at the highest personal levels).
- i.e., being with GOD, dwelling with the presence of GOD, heightens spiritual strength, power, spiritual beauty, insight, vision, wisdom, understanding, joy… Benefits.

Vocal prayer is what I am referring to as “praying”. Contemplation is what I am referring to as “prayer”.

Why?

Due to the vast majority of church’s which do not teach prayer as a life-style, the body of Christ is not accustomed to using the terms, “vocal prayer” or “contemplative”. In addition to this, we tend to think of all prayer as the same.

All Prayer is Not the Same

For this reason, I am distinguishing the terms by referring to vocal prayer as ‘praying‘, and contemplation as prayer.

Contemplative prayer undergirds all stages and levels of prayer and requires the highest level of focus. Technically speaking, you have to train and discipline your spirit/flesh at this level of prayer.

Contemplative prayer demands that you master the ability to shut out all distractions, every vain imagination, submit your thoughts, ideas, every conversation in your head, focus, address and deal with your own character flaws, limitations and baggage, and deliver your spirit before the throne of GOD.

This takes more than 5, 10 or 15 minutes of praying. In the beginning, it can take up to 60 minutes or more, to get past your own obstacle course—in order for prayer to begin.

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High…Ps 91, Matt 6:6, Acts 17:11, Ps 119:114

Prayer requires effort, struggle. It is not a tip toe through the tulips. Contemplative prayer requires that you battle your way past self, and press toward the Presence of GOD.

Attempts at this level of prayer are met with distractions, wandering thoughts, sleepiness, worldly demands, impatience, and any other conceivable device aimed toward dismantling your prayer life.

The reward is relationship.

Think of it like this…

Praying, as I have defined it above, is like having an acquaintance with GOD based upon an introduction from a third party.

Many Christians pray without having a deeper relationship with GOD. This is where we begin, but it does not have to be where we end.

Praying, takes place on prayer lines, fulfilling prayer commitments, praying before and after service, praying on the prayer lines, praying for others, etc.

Praying for others becomes far more effective, and should take place after spending time alone with GOD. This is the model set for us by Christ and the disciples.

Who wants to be in danger of praying out of their own spirit, rather than the spirit of GOD?

Who wants to be in danger of praying their own will, rather than the will of GOD?

Many times we have asked ourselves, what to pray?

The only way to know the answers to this question, is to spend time in the Presence of GOD.

Refining the 3 levels of prayer.

The Outer Court Prayers
- Vocal Prayer (i.e., petition, intercession, thanksgiving, blessing, praise, confession)
  - Surface Level of Prayer; Essential, Developmental, Powerful,
Prayers in The Holy Place
- Meditation (i.e., reflection, study, practicing the Presence of GOD)
  - Reflective level of prayer on teachings, scriptures, purpose, destiny, decisions…
  - Trains your spirit for solitude with GOD.
Prayer in The Holy of Holies
- Contemplation (i.e., Awareness of the Divine, coming to know GOD at the highest personal levels).
  - i.e., being with GOD, dwelling with the Presence of GOD, heightens spiritual strength, power, spiritual beauty, insight, vision, wisdom, understanding, joy… Benefits.
  - Ability to emerge from Prayer having insight into your day, a sensitivity to the will of GOD, getting yourself in sync with the Spirit.
  - A Few Examples (a.k.a. Spiritual Evidence) of acheving this level of prayer are:
    - Shifting the atmosphere in places you enter into for calm, peace, harmony…
    - Knowing the spirits you are dealing with in your encounters.
      - Seeing beyond the person and into the spirit.
      - Not being easily provoked.
      - Being slow to speak, slow to anger, increased self control.
      - Judgmentalness under submission, increased self awareness.
      - Mastering your own tongue.
    - Complete strangers coming up to you and unburdening themselves, with spiritual questions or dilemmas–and having the answer they need to know.
    - Preparation for difficult encounters that would have otherwise taken you out of the spirit.
    - Multiple Levels of Character Refinement.
    - Increase in spiritual strength, fortitude, greater insight…
    - Falling in Love with Contemplative Prayer
    - Deeper Realtionship with GOD.

Praying for and with others should come out of this place. The place of saturating yourself in prayer.

Kingdom Relationship is established through prayer.

Before and after ministry, before and after any miracles, Jesus prayed.

We cannot substitute service for prayer.

There is no such thing as faithfulness, dedication, servanthood, etc., without first being steadfast, unceasing, fervent in prayer. Without prayer there is no way to become effectual in your kingdom assignments.

Jesus demonstrated the power of a devoted prayer life.

Saturated in the garments of prayer, praise and worship (avodah), Jesus saved, healed and delivered multitudes, then and now.

This requires much more than a part-time, some-time, inconsistent prayer life..

JESUS LIVED AND TAUGHT PRAYER AS A LIFESTYLE

Matthew 14:23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

Matthew 26:36 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.

Matthew 26:39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

Matthew 26:42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

Matthew 26:44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

Mark 1:35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

Mark 6:46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.

Mark 14:32 And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.

Mark 14:35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.

Mark 14:39 And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words.

Luke 3:21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,

Luke 5:16 And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.

Luke 6:12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

Luke 9:18 And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?

Luke 9:28 And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.

Luke 9:29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.

Luke 11:1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

Luke 22:32 but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

John 16:26 At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:

John 17:9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.

Your Prayer Life equips The LORD’s Disciples to hit the mark.

…AND JESUS GAVE CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS TO HIS FOLLOWERS TO PRAY

Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Matthew 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Matthew 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

Matthew 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

Matthew 9:38 pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Mark 9:29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

Mark 11:17 And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.

Mark 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Mark 11:25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

Mark 13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

Mark 14:38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.

Luke 6:28 bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

Luke 19:46 saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.

The ministry of Christ is distinguished by His prayer life.

We are sanctified by prayer. Prayer purifies our soul and transforms the spirit.

Prayer is how we stay connected to GOD. Our priorities are to stay connected to GOD first, as Jesus did, and then serve.

The flesh never wants to pray, let alone observe and submit to a prayer lifestyle. Nevertheless, our spirits require prayer to thrive, and remain healthy and strong. Prayer heals our spirit, keeps our souls connected to GOD and fills us with the power of GOD.

There is no way to obtain or operate within the mind of Christ without a prayer life.

We accepted the ministry, we desire the miracles, but far too often claiming to be the body of Christ, we neglect the critical need for a Contemplative Prayer-Life.

And yet we see that the disciples remained steadfast in the example that Jesus set.

CHRIST’s DISCIPLES WERE COMMITTED AND SUBMITTED TO PRAYER.

Acts 1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

Acts 1:24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,

Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Acts 3:1 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.

Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

Acts 6:4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

Acts 6:6 whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

Acts 8:15 who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

Acts 8:24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.

Acts 9:11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

Acts 9:40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

Acts 10:9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:

This teaching is dedicated to my students. Diligently pursue and be filled with the presence of GOD daily and may your ministries always be distinguished by your dedication and consecration to your prayer life.

Posts Included in This Series on Prayer:

Cover Photo by: Aaron Burden, Unsplash.com

Covered in the Light of Prayer, photo by: Mads Schmidt, Unsplash.com
Woman in Prayer, photo by: Olivia Snow, Unsplash.com
Little Child reading a book, photo by: Samantha Sophia, Unsplash.com
Statue in Prayer, photo by: Scott Rodgerson, Unsplash.com
Archers, photo by: Alex Guillaume, Unsplash.com
Woman in Prayer, photo by: Olivia Snow, Unsplash.com

NEW Disclosure Added: I am of the belief that any and all teachings on scripture, especially those on prayer should receive prayer before passing them along to others. For this reason, I encourage everyone who reviews these teachings to saturate each one in prayer before sharing, distributing or reproducing them in any fashion.

Anything that we hope to learn and accomplish through the Word of GOD must be born out of a spirit of prayer. Prayer is the root of all our spiritual training. Study without prayer is futile. Without prayer, we learn nothing and we accomplish nothing.

Prayerlessness makes a pretense of piety.

May GOD always send you a confirming word to every message I write,

GOD Bless You,

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