Twelve P’s of Prayer
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 . . . Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
The following are the twelve words starting with the letter “P” that have greatly encouraged me in my prayer life. Sometimes, if I am struggling with what to pray about, I will reflect back on these words and almost instantly avenues of prayer open up.
1. Remember that prayer is a privilege.
Christ taught us when we pray that we can call on His Father as our Father (“Our Father, who art in heaven”). “Is there not something very wonderful about this, that we, who are both insignificant and unworthy, should be able to speak to Him who made the stars, and upholds all things by the power of His word?” (Charles Spurgeon)
2. Recognize there is great power in prayer.
“How much more will God give good gifts to those who ask him”. (Matthew 7:11). “Oh, Believer, you have a mighty engine in your hands—use it well—use it constantly! Use it with faith.” (Charles Spurgeon)
3. Prayer is trusting in God’s promises revealed in Scripture.
“After all prayer is nothing but taking God’s promises to Him and saying, ‘Do as You have said’.” (Charles Spurgeon). Prayer not based on a promise has no true foundation. It is being mindful of and trusting in God’s promises in spite of our circumstances.
4. We are called to persevere in prayer.
The story of the importunate widow (Luke 18:1-8) is one of many examples where Christ teaches us to persevere in prayer as it demonstrates our trust that God hears and will answer our prayer.
5. Prayer teaches us patience.
We need to be patient in our prayers recognizing that, although God promises to answer our prayers, his timing is different than ours. Patience is a sign of faith.
6. Prayer helps us keep our life in perspective.
How often did David in his psalms share his fear and anxieties with God and in the process found peace through reconnecting with his Father. God often answers our prayers through transformation rather than substitution.
7. Faithful prayer promises us the peace of God.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your hearts and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).
8. Prayer is not a performance.
It is recognizing that God doesn’t care about our eloquence or the number of words, but only about our heart attitude, for even the groans and yearnings from a humble heart are treasured by God. The essence of prayer lies in the heart drawing near to God: and it can do that without words. The psalmist, David, wrote, “Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely” (Psalm 139:4).
9. Prayer is profitable.
God promises to answer our prayer in His time and with gifts He knows we need, which may not be what we asked for. Jesus promises, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8)
10. Prayer brings us into the intimate presence of Christ.
Jesus said, “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:19-20)
11. Prayer is an opportunity to praise God.
David prayed, “Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise.” (Psalm 51:15)
12. God desires penitent prayer.
We should approach God in prayer with a humble and contrite heart. David wrote, “You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.” (Psalm 51:16-17)
Epilogue - A few years after 2012 my wife and I participated in a couple’s group. Our topic was prayer and I shared these twelve words, then asked the group to see if they could come up with more words starting with “P” to add to the list. Amazingly the group came up with several dozen more! I invite you to consider sharing in the comment section below any “P” words that you believe would be helpful to remember when praying.