EVALUATION OF PRAYER AS A SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE

ROBERT WAMBUGU WANJIKU

RESEARCH PAPER SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE

REQUIREMENTS FOR MASTERS DEGREE IN APPLIED THEOLOGY OF TCMII

2024
Prayer as a Spiritual Discipline

Background

Spiritual disciplines are habits of devotion practised by people of God originating from the

biblical times. The spiritual disciplines transform us to be like Christ (Romans 12:2). They help

Christians achieve godliness therefore a means and not necessarily an end in themselves. They

can be broadly classified as personal and interpersonal practices which are mutually inclusive. In

our pursuit of godliness, they help us achieve our grand goal of being as close as possible to

Christ as well as conforming to Him who is our role model. While there exists no consensus on

the number of spiritual disciplines, there are twelve major and well spelt out disciplines that

Jesus practised during His days on earth. He also prescribed them for a victorious journey as his

follower. They include:study, prayer, fasting, confession, worship, fellowship, rest, celebration,

service, generosity, chastity and disciple-making. These disciplines compliment each other

seamlessly. A distinct aspect to be noted about the spiritual disciplines is that they are activities;

things we do and not attitudes. The habitual doing ultimately leads to being; being like Christ in

godliness (1 Timothy 4:7). This places a choice and a responsibility on the doer which can only

be accomplished when there is a quantifiable degree of consistency and commitment. A

combined practice works like a balanced diet in promoting a healthy living. For instance a

believer who spends quality time reading the word of God and deeply meditating on it will pray

effectively without any struggle (Psalm 1:1-3).

For the purposes of this study I chose to research the discipline of prayer. This discipline was

introduced to me in my childhood and has been part and parcel of my practice of faith. I

nostalgically recall how my maternal grandma whom I trace my Christian faith would pray with
us, pray for us, and emphasise on the importance of prayer. I watched in amazement as she

committed everything in prayer. Even though she could not read nor write she had some inner

strength in this area and to date it has made a difference in her life. As I have grown and matured

physically and in faith I have much appreciation of the Christian foundation laid more so on the

practice of Christian disciplines. I can't agree more that their impact in our lives is inward and

outward.

In my practice of faith I have interacted with believers of different backgrounds and doctrines

and do note that prayer as a discipline is common although practised differently. I have been

involved in organising interpersonal and congregational prayers and I have observed a creeping

lethargy to prayers which is a bit disturbing since the Bible exalts to pray in all circumstances

and occasions (Luke 18:1). Christians are spending less and less time in prayer and a majority

doing it dutifully. According to the scriptures we ought to invest time in the activity of prayer as

it contributes to building a relationship with our Father. People in a working healthy relationship

converse oftenly and deeply. In our daily Christian living prayer is placed next to the study of the

Word of God in importance. Thus it is seen as the lifeline of any believing Christian. I therefore

write this paper as a personal challenge to better myself on this discipline of prayer as well as be

an effective prayer leader in my family as a priest and the church of Christ as leader.

We are living in the evil days mentioned in scripture (Ephesians 5:16, 6:13, 2 Timothy 4:3).

Prayer has been misused and commercialised. This is evident in the digital and media space.

People have been conned into paying for prayers in exchange for specific expected outcomes.

Mention of the same in our streets makes people look at you from a suspicious angle which was
and is not the intended biblical purpose according to the teachings of our Lord and Saviour Jesus

Christ. In the following paragraphs this paper will explore the historical background of prayer as

a discipline both in the Old Testament, New Testament and the major Christian movements and

revolutions.

Naming of Prayer as a Spiritual Discipline

The term spiritual disciplines gained significant prominence in the early Christian monastic

traditions. Monks and nuns practised regular prayer as part of their disciplined lives. The Desert

Fathers and Mothers emphasised solitude, silence and fixed-hour prayers. Prayer has been

recognised as an essential spiritual discipline for ages across various religious traditions.

Whereas this paper cannot pin-point a specific date when prayer was named as a discipline, its

significance is underscored in its naming as a discipline and has continued to grow over time.

Historical Practice of the spiritual discipline of prayer

● Early Church:- The early church gathered for communal prayers and worship. Key

players were the early church fathers such as Augustine and John Cyrosostom who

emphasised the centrality of prayer in Christian faith. The two have written extensively

on prayer as spiritual discipline. They practised Liturgical prayers such the Lord’s Prayer

which shaped their Christian worship.

● Middle Ages:- Monastic orders preserved and deepened prayer traditions. This entailed

the Liturgy of the Hours which was also known as the Divine Office entailed a structured
 daily prayer throughout the day. There was also integration of Psalms and Scripture

reading in the worship sessions.

● Reformation:- This was a major theological movement in the Christian history. A major

player in the reformation movement was Martin Luther who is one the most celebrated

Reformers. In his writings, preachings and teaching he was zealous about personal

prayer. This movement advocated for personalised access to God in prayer. Believers

were encouraged to pray in their native languages instead of the sole use of Latin

language. This movement birthed the advent of personal prayer and Bible study.

● Revival Movements:- Prayer was a catalysing factor for these waves of revival that swept

different continents. Fervent prayers were encouraged and done during the Great

Awakenings and Pentecostal revivals. The resultant spiritual revival was evident and the

impact has lasted for centuries.

A comparison of the Ancient and Current Views of Prayer as a Spiritual Discipline

Prayer as a spiritual discipline has continued to evolve over time. It is noteworthy that its essence

has remained the same all through. It has been the constant connecting link with God. Below

this paper explores the ancient and current view perspective on prayer.

Ancient Views of Prayer as a Spiritual Discipline

● Biblical Roots:- In ancient times prayer was closely intertwined with religious activities

and festivities. In most instances it is described as a direct conversation between God and

men. In the Old Testament there was practice of prayers by individuals and groups of

people as they sought the Lord for various reasons such as guidance, blessings, healing,

victory over battles and even other reasons such as conception of babies. Hannah prayed
 to God for a baby 1 Samuel 1:9 -28, David prayed for the healing of the baby they bore

with Bathsheba 2 Samuel 12:16- 24. King Jehoshaphat is recorded to have called for a

solemn prayer by the Israelites when he was under attack by a foreign army 2 Chronicles

20:3 - 15.

● Temple Worship:- Prayer and worship typically happened in the temple as the Jewish

culture and rituals were conducted. The temple was believed to be the house of God and

people went there to commune with him. Besides offering prayers, other related activities

of worship such as singing the Psalms, hymns and public reading of scriptures took place.

The temple served as the central point for communal prayers. There were specific holy

observations that happened only in the temple. In the above example Hannah used to God

year after year accompanying the husband to offer sacrifices in the Lord temple.

● Personal Devotions:- The Jews and the early Christians offered private prayer seeking

God’s guidance and presence in their lives. Jesus exemplified and taught about private

prayer by individual followers Matthew 6:6. By this he modelled the importance of a

personal intimate relationship with God.

Current Views of Prayer as a Spiritual Discipline

● Individual and corporate Prayers:- In our modern day prayer happens both at a personal

and corporate level. It encompasses both individual devotion and communal acts of

worship. The believers engage in personal prayer, seeking intimacy with God, while also

participating in congregational prayers during church services.

 ● Diverse Forms: our modern day prayer takes various forms: intercession, thanksgiving,

confession, and contemplation. It extends beyond formal words to include silent

meditation, journaling, and spontaneous conversations with God.

● Inclusivity: Contemporary views emphasise inclusivity. Prayer transcends

denominational boundaries, uniting Christians worldwide. Ecumenical movements

promote interfaith dialogue and shared prayer experiences.

● Technology: Technology has transformed prayer practices. Online prayer groups, apps,

and virtual gatherings allow believers to connect globally. Social media platforms

facilitate prayer requests and collective intercession.

Similarities and differences

● Similarities:

■ Intimacy: Both ancient and modern views emphasise intimacy with

God.

■ Petition: Prayer involves asking for God’s intervention. This can be

for personal needs or for communal needs.

■ Community: Corporate prayer unites believers. This was common and

is still common in the OLd Testament, New Testament, early church

and the church of the day.

● Differences:

■ Formality: Ancient prayers were often formal and liturgical, while

contemporary prayers can be spontaneous and informal.

 ■ Access: Modern believers have direct access to God through Christ

(Hebrews 4:16).

■ Global Reach: Today’s technology enables global prayer networks.

This has made it possible for people to fellowship in prayer even when

they are miles apart.

Conclusion

Prayer remains essential for spiritual growth and transformation of a believer who is committed

to follow Jesus. It is evident that tobe like Jesus we must pray. Jesus actually expects and

commands us to pray Matthew 6:5 - 9, Romans 8:15, Luke 4:16, Luke 11:9, 18:1. The apostles

who were also very victorious in their walk of faith were devoted to prayer. They encourage the

early church to keep in prayer to overcome the temptations of the day. One classic example is the

exaltation that was done by Paul to the Colossians. He actually wrote them a guide on how to

pray as can be seen in Colossian 4.

It is critical that every believer of our age should invest in prayer deliberately. We have a

promise and an assurance that the Lord hears and attends to our prayer. Every prayer that goes to

heaven is attended to ,so we should never get discouraged to pray. It should be done passionately

and consistently.

Jesus is our model in prayer. There is no form of prayer that Jesus did not practise. He offered

prayers of thanksgiving, intercession for mankind. We can learn from him how to pray. His

disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray and He actually took it upon himself to teach

them on how to pray.

Whether ancient or modern, prayer connects us to God and shapes our lives. It is very easy to

distinguish a follower who is praying and one who is not engaging in prayer as they should

engage. Modern day Christian should choose to be that effective follower and this is made

possible when we pray. Whereas believers' battles, challenges and needs change with the times,

prayer remains unchanged as the avenue of inviting the intervention of God.

Its continuation in the church depends on recognizing its transformative power and fostering a

vibrant prayer life in both individual and corporate settings. As it availed much to the early men

of faith who chose to pray it is able to help us achieve a lot in our current age that is as needy as

the early church and our situation is further complicated by technology and the modern day

deception.
REFERENCES

https://churchleaders.com/outreach-missions/outreach-missions-articles/325192-12-spiritual-

disciplines-that-will-make-your-faith-strong-brandon-hilgemann.html.

https://jesusprayerministry.com/prayer-about-history/

https://radical.net/article/prayer-spiritual-discipline/

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Christianity/Medieval-and-Reformation-views

https://www.imb.org/2018/06/27/prayer-essential-spiritual-discipline/

https://www.imb.org/2018/06/27/prayer-essential-spiritual-discipline/

https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/sermon-prayer-life-of-a-christian-colossians-4

Whitney, Donald S.. Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, NavPress Publishing Group,

2024. ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/tmc-

ebooks/detail.action?docID=5395718. Created from tmc-ebooks on 2024-05-22 07:41:35.