Introduction

The Privilege of Prayer

What an extraordinary privilege it is that the God who created the heavens and the earth invites us to come into His presence, speak with Him, and participate in His eternal purposes!

Prayer is one of the greatest gifts God has given to His children. Yet, for many Christians, it remains one of the least understood and most underused privileges of the Christian life. We know that we ought to pray. We believe that God hears and answers prayer. We have witnessed His faithfulness and experienced His grace. Nevertheless, many of us still struggle to develop the meaningful, consistent prayer life that Scripture encourages.

Perhaps the reason is that we have not fully understood what prayer really is.

Prayer is far more than presenting God with a list of needs, asking for His assistance, or seeking His intervention in difficult circumstances. While these are legitimate expressions of prayer, they represent only a small part of something infinitely greater. Prayer is an invitation into fellowship with God Himself. It is the means by which our hearts become aligned with His heart, our desires become shaped by His purposes, and our lives become instruments through which His will is accomplished.

Consider the remarkable invitation found in Hebrews 4:16, where believers are encouraged to approach God's throne of grace boldly, confident that they will receive mercy and find grace in their time of need. The Creator of the universe has not merely permitted us to approach Him; He has invited us to do so!

What an incredible honour!

Throughout Scripture, we discover that prayer has always been central to God's relationship with His people. Abraham interceded for others. Moses sought God's mercy for Israel. Daniel faithfully prayed despite opposition. Elijah witnessed extraordinary answers to prayer. The apostles understood that the work of the Church depended upon continual fellowship with God.

Above all, Jesus Christ demonstrated that prayer was essential to His earthly ministry. Before important decisions, during demanding ministry, in moments of personal trial, and even as He approached the cross, Jesus sought communion with His Father. If the Son of God gave such importance to prayer, how much more should we recognise its necessity in our own lives?

This brings us to a challenging question: If prayer was fundamental to the life and ministry of Jesus, should it not also be fundamental to the life and ministry of every Christian?

In The Privilege of Prayer, Eugene A. Smith takes us beyond the familiar understanding of prayer and introduces us to its deeper spiritual purpose. He challenges misconceptions, explores the biblical foundations of intercession, and demonstrates that prayer is not an attempt to persuade God to fulfil our personal ambitions. Rather, it is a wonderful opportunity to cooperate with Him in accomplishing His eternal will.

A particularly encouraging emphasis throughout this study is the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Effective prayer does not depend upon our eloquence, spiritual achievements, or ability to find the right words. Romans 8:26 reminds us that the Holy Spirit helps us in our weaknesses, even when we do not know how to pray as we ought.

What wonderful reassurance! We are not expected to develop a powerful prayer life through human determination alone. The Holy Spirit has been given to guide us, strengthen us, and enable us to pray in harmony with the purposes of God.

As you progress through this study, you will discover the importance of perseverance, the relationship between prayer and holiness, the power of intercession, and the remarkable truth that believers are invited to participate in Christ's continuing ministry of prayer.

You will also discover that prayer is not simply about changing circumstances. It is about allowing God to change us.

Our understanding deepens. Our faith matures. Our dependence upon God increases. Our concern for others grows, and we become increasingly sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

This is why prayer is not merely another Christian responsibility to be performed. It is an essential part of our spiritual growth and a foundation upon which fruitful Christian living and ministry are established.

My encouragement is that you approach this study with an open Bible, an expectant heart, and a genuine desire to know God more intimately.

Do not simply seek to acquire information about prayer. Allow the biblical truths presented in these pages to challenge your thinking, strengthen your faith, and transform your personal relationship with God.

The greatest discovery may not be what prayer can accomplish for you, but what God desires to accomplish in and through you as you learn to pray.

The invitation is already before you. The throne of grace is open. The Holy Spirit is ready to help.

What a privilege it is to pray!

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All authority is given to Me in Heaven and in the earth. Therefore go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things, whatever I commanded you. And, behold, I am with you all the days until the end of the world. Amen. (Mat 28:18-20)