Approaching the Throne of Grace Through Prayer and a Relationship with God
> Prayer is a foundational practice in Christianity, serving as the means by which believers communicate with God, express their hearts, and grow in their relationship with Him. When a Mormon inquires about an evangelical Christian’s approach to prayer and their personal relationship with God, it provides an opportunity to explore the biblical principles that guide such practices.
This article will offer an in-depth look at the proper biblical response to this question, highlighting the evangelical perspective on prayer and the nature of a personal relationship with God.
The Evangelical Christian Approach to Prayer:
– Biblical Foundation for Prayer:
Evangelical Christians ground their understanding of prayer in the teachings of the Bible. Prayer is seen as a direct line of communication with God, a privilege granted through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 4:16 invites believers to “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence,” emphasizing that through Christ, Christians have the ability to come before God openly and without fear.
– The Lord’s Prayer as a Model:
The Lord’s Prayer, taught by Jesus in Matthew 6:9-13, serves as a foundational model for Christians. It includes adoration (“hallowed be your name”), submission to God’s will (“your kingdom come”), petition for daily needs (“give us today our daily bread”), confession of sins (“forgive us our debts”), and a plea for spiritual guidance and protection (“lead us not into temptation”).
– Personal and Communal Prayer:
Evangelicals engage in both personal and communal prayer. Personal prayer is a time for individual believers to have intimate conversations with God, while communal prayer—practiced in church services, small groups, and family settings—unites believers in seeking God’s presence and will together.
– Spontaneity and Structure:
While some evangelical prayer is structured, following set patterns or prayer lists, there is also an emphasis on the spontaneity and leading of the Holy Spirit. Evangelicals believe that prayer should be genuine and reflect the heart of the individual, whether in times of joy, sorrow, need, or thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6).
The Evangelical Christian’s Personal Relationship with God:
– Relationship Through Jesus Christ:
Evangelicals believe that a personal relationship with God is made possible through faith in Jesus Christ. John 1:12 speaks of the right to become children of God through belief in His name, and Romans 5:1-2 describes the peace and access believers have with God through Jesus.
– Intimacy with God:
A personal relationship with God is characterized by intimacy, trust, and ongoing communication. Evangelicals seek to know God more deeply through prayer, reading the Bible, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
– Growth and Transformation:
The relationship with God is one of continual growth and transformation. As believers pray and spend time with God, they expect to be changed to become more like Christ, exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit in their lives (Galatians 5:22-23).
– Obedience and Discipleship:
A personal relationship with God also involves obedience to His commands and a commitment to discipleship. Evangelicals view their lives as a response to God’s love, seeking to live in a way that honors Him and advances His kingdom.
Engaging in Dialogue with Mormons:
– Common Ground:
Both Mormons and evangelical Christians value prayer and recognize its importance in fostering a relationship with God. They can share experiences and insights from their prayer lives, finding common ground in their desire to seek divine guidance and support.
– Discussing Differences:
Evangelicals can explain their belief in the sufficiency of Christ’s atonement for direct access to God in prayer, contrasting this with LDS teachings on priesthood authority and the role of church mediators. They can also discuss the assurance of salvation and how it impacts their approach to God in prayer.
– Testimony and Witness:
In conversations about prayer and relationship with God, evangelicals can share personal testimonies of how prayer has impacted their lives and how their relationship with God through Jesus Christ has brought transformation and hope.
Conclusion:
The evangelical Christian approach to prayer and personal relationship with God is deeply rooted in biblical teachings and the work of Jesus Christ. Prayer is seen as an essential practice for communicating with God, expressing devotion, seeking guidance, and growing in faith. The personal relationship with God is marked by intimacy, growth, and a commitment to living out one’s faith in obedience and discipleship. By engaging in open dialogue, evangelicals can share their perspectives with Mormon friends, highlighting the unique aspects of their faith while respecting the sincerity of Mormon beliefs and practices. Through such conversations, believers can deepen their understanding of each other’s traditions and encourage one another in the pursuit of a meaningful spiritual life.
