Why prayer and worship are vital to the Christian life

The big idea behind Bible Studies for Life is “where the Bible meets your life.” I believe the scriptures are God’s means of accomplishing what He promised to us. When Jesus said, “I have come that they might have life and have it in abundance,” (John 10:10) it is a promise of His blessing on all of life. Nothing remains untouched.

The promise of the Christian life is not limping through until we die, only to be dragged by an angelic host through the pearly gates! It is of knowing, in Jesus, the very presence of God’s life in our own. This is the abundance of which Jesus spoke.

Part of this abundance is experienced when we engage God in prayer and respond to His wisdom, blessing and grace through worship.

Urgency of Prayer

Prayer is often explained as talking to God. It is that, but it is much more. Prayer is our way of acknowledging who He is, expressing admiration, explaining frustrations, admitting our sins, asking for direction, seeking wisdom, speaking of love, and so much more. Prayer is not God’s children trying to tell God what to do; it is seeking what God would have us do.

The importance and urgency of prayer are encapsulated in one brief passage: “Pray without ceasing for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thess. 5: 17, 18). Not only are we urged to pray, we are urged to pray without ceasing.

I think this means we are to pray about all things, at all times, for all reasons, and with all assurance. Prayer is to the spiritual life what breathing is to the physical life. We simply cannot function properly or be healthy without it.

Pray and Pray Often

How important is prayer? Just look at the life of Jesus. Luke’s gospel tells us that Jesus was praying at His baptism (3:21), that He was praying alone before asking His disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” (9:18), that He was praying when transfigured on the mountain (9:29), that He had prayed for Peter and against Satan (22:31, 32), and in the garden just before His arrest (22:41, 42).

If prayer was that vital to the life of Jesus Christ—who knew no sin—how much more is it vital to us who still struggle with sin?

Consistent prayer and Bible study will keep us in a posture of worship, another aspect of our relationship with God vital to our life of following Christ.

Responding to God

Often worship is understood as being specific to the singing/musical portion of a worship service. Sometimes church leadership can contribute to the confusion. Using titles like “Worship Pastor” can lead people to believe the teaching of the Word, fellowship, giving of offerings or hearing testimonies are not related to worship. This is not the case.

The word “worship” from ancient times simply meant “to bow down” or “to prostrate oneself.” Captured in this was the idea of humbling oneself, of expressing honor, or offering praise. In the Bible this idea is translated worship, bowing, stooping, and reverence.

Worship, then, is a response to God. It is our response to God’s majesty, His grace, His works.

This is why worship is more than the singing time in a Sunday gathering. We come to God’s Word expectant that He will speak. Our response to His word is worship. When we hear a person talking about God working miraculously in a family situation, we respond in worship. When offerings are received, we respond in the worship of giving. Our giving should be a response to how God has prospered us. This is worship.

Worship does not originate with the worshipper. Worship originates with the object of worship, namely, God Almighty.