Deepening a Prayer Life through Intentional Spiritual Practices

Deepening one's prayer life is a pursuit central to various Christian traditions, including Nonconformist/Puritan, Presbyterian, Protestant academic, Reformed, and Methodist/Wesleyan. At its core, prayer is understood as a direct address to God, involving "converse with God; the intercourse of the soul with God, not in contemplation or meditation, but in direct address to him" ^[4]. This understanding is rooted in biblical teachings, where prayer is described through various metaphors such as "beseeching the Lord" (Ex. 32:11), "pouring out the soul before the Lord" (1 Sam. 1:15), and "drawing near to God" (Ps. 73:28) ^[4].

The biblical basis for prayer is multifaceted. Paul's letters, for instance, are replete with prayers for the spiritual growth of his readers, as seen in Philippians 1:9, where he prays that they "may be increased more and more in knowledge and experience" ^[1]. Similarly, in Ephesians 6:18, believers are exhorted to "make requests at all times in the Spirit, and keep watch, with strong purpose, in prayer for all the saints" ^[2]. These passages underscore the importance of prayer in the life of a believer, both for personal growth and for the well-being of the community.

The practice of prayer is further elucidated in various biblical and historical sources. Torrey's Topical Textbook categorizes prayer into different types, including prayers under affliction, where believers are encouraged to seek God's presence, comfort, and deliverance ^[3]. The textbook also highlights the command to pray, citing Isaiah 55:6 and Matthew 7:7, and notes that prayer is to be offered to God, through Christ, and is heard and answered by God ^[5].

The heart's role in prayer is significant. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, the heart is the source from which life issues, and God tries, knows, and searches the heart ^[6]. This understanding underscores the importance of sincerity and purity of heart in prayer, a theme echoed in 2 Timothy 2:22, which exhorts believers to call on the Lord "with pure hearts" ^[9].

Different Christian traditions have articulated the practice of prayer in various ways. The Reformed tradition, as represented by Calvin's commentary on Philippians, emphasizes the role of prayer in the life of the believer, highlighting its connection to spiritual growth and the expression of faith ^[8]. The Presbyterian tradition, as seen in Jamieson, Fausset & Brown's commentary on Philippians 4:23 and 2 Thessalonians 3:16, also underscores the significance of prayer, particularly in invoking the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ ^{[10, 11]}.

The Lord's Prayer, as recorded in Matthew 6:9-13, serves as a model for Christian prayer, emphasizing simplicity and the hallowing of God's name ^[7]. This prayer is not just a formula but a guide for structuring one's prayers, focusing on God's glory, and expressing dependence on Him.

In deepening a prayer life, believers are encouraged to be intentional in their spiritual practices. This involves not just the frequency and sincerity of prayer but also the cultivation of a heart that is prepared to God, as noted in 1 Samuel 7:3 ^[6]. The practice of prayer is thus not merely a duty but a means of grace, through which believers grow in their knowledge and experience of God ^[1].

The pursuit of a deeper prayer life is marked by a recognition of God's sovereignty and a willingness to be guided by the Holy Spirit. As seen in Ephesians 6:18, praying "in the Spirit" is crucial, indicating a reliance on God's empowerment in prayer ^[2]. This reliance is further underscored by the understanding that God hears and answers prayer, a theme present in both the Old and New Testaments ^[5].

Sources

Philippians “Philippians 1:9 (BBE) — And my prayer is that you may be increased more and more in knowledge and experience;”
Ephesians “Ephesians 6:18 (BBE) — With prayers and deep desires, making requests at all times in the Spirit, and keeping watch, with strong purpose, in prayer for all the saints,”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Affliction, Prayer Under — Exhortation to -- Jas 5:13. That God would consider our trouble -- 2Ki 19:16; Ne 9:32; Ps 9:13; La 5:1. For the presence and support of God -- Ps 10:1; 102:2. That the Holy Spirit may not be withdrawn -- Ps 51:11. For divine comfort -- Ps 4:6; 119:76. For mitigation of troubles -- Ps 39:12,13. For deliverance -- Ps 25:17,22; 39:10; Isa 64:9-12; Jer 17:14. For pardon and deliverance from sin -- Ps 39:8; 51:1; 79:8. That we may be turned to God -- Ps 80:7; 85:4-6; Jer 31:18. For divine teaching and direction -- Job 34:32; Ps 27:11; 143:10. Fo”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Prayer — Is converse with God; the intercourse of the soul with God, not in contemplation or meditation, but in direct address to him. Prayer may be oral or mental, occasional or constant, ejaculatory or formal. It is a "beseeching the Lord" (Ex. 32:11); "pouring out the soul before the Lord" (1 Sam. 1:15); "praying and crying to heaven" (2 Chr. 32:20); "seeking unto God and making supplication" (Job 8:5); "drawing near to God" (Ps. 73:28); "bowing the knees" (Eph. 3:14). Prayer presupposes a belief in the personality of God, his ability and willingness to hold inter”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Prayer — Commanded -- Isa 55:6; Mt 7:7; Php 4:6. To be offered To God. -- Ps 5:2; Mt 4:10. To Christ. -- Lu 23:42; Ac 7:59. To the Holy Spirit. -- 2Th 3:5. Through Christ. -- Eph 2:18; Heb 10:19. God hears -- Ps 10:17; 65:2. God answers -- Ps 99:6; Isa 58:9. Is described as Bowing the knees. -- Eph 3:14. Looking up. -- Ps 5:3. Lifting up the soul. -- Ps 25:1. Lifting up the heart. -- La 3:41. Pouring out the heart. -- Ps 62:8. Pouring out the soul. -- 1Sa 1:15. Calling upon the name of the Lord. -- Ge 12:8; Ps 116:4; Ac 22:16. Crying to God. -- Ps 27:7; 34:6. Drawing”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Heart, The — Issues of life are out of -- Pr 4:23. God Tries. -- 1Ch 29:17; Jer 12:3. Knows. -- Ps 44:21; Jer 20:12. Searched. -- 1Ch 28:9; Jer 17:10. Understands the thoughts of. -- 1Ch 28:9; Ps 139:2. Ponders. -- Pr 21:2; 24:12. Influences. -- 1Sa 10:26; Ezr 6:22; 7:27; Pr 21:1; Jer 20:9. Creates a new. -- Ps 51:10; Eze 36:26. Prepares. -- 1Ch 29:18; Pr 16:1. Opens. -- Ac 16:14. Enlightens. -- 2Co 4:6; Eph 1:18. Strengthens. -- Ps 27:14. Establishes. -- Ps 112:8; 1Th 3:13. Should be Prepared to God. -- 1Sa 7:3. Given to God. -- Pr 23:26. Perfect with God. -- 1Ki 8:”
Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 6:9: 6:9-13 The Lord’s Prayer is similar in form to a common Jewish prayer (the qaddish). Jesus gave this prayer to his followers as a succinct expression of their new faith. 6:9 Pray like this: In contrast to the vain repetition of pagan prayers (6:7-8), “the Lord’s Prayer” is a model of simplicity. • Jews rarely addressed God as Father, but Jesus did so in every prayer but one (Mark 15:34). • may your name be kept holy: God’s name is profaned by the sin of his people (Isa 29:22-24; Jer 34:15-16; Ezek 39:7; Amos 2:7).”
CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, section 84.1: Index of Scripture References Genesis 1 1:26 3:22 9:6 9:6 9:6 14:13 Exodus 7:11 14:13 14:31 32:32 Leviticus 19:14 Deuteronomy 7:7-8 10:17 13:3 1 Kings 19:18 Job 4:18 Psalms 7:8 35:19 37:5 55:22 55:22 69:28 73:1-12 122:6 128:2 137:6 138:8 138:8 145:18 Proverbs 3:5 5:15 8:36 10:4 Ecclesiastes 9:3 Isaiah 11:4 26:9 30:15 30:21 33:22 42:1 45:23 48:11 50:5 53:1 55:11 55:13 60:2 60:2 60:2 64:8 Jeremiah 5:8 17:9 23:29 31:33 Ezekiel 11:20 Daniel 12:2 Hosea 1:10-11 Amos 9:36 Zechariah 14:8 Malachi 4:2 Matthew 5:11 5:14 5:15 ”
2 Timothy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Timothy 2:22: 2:22 those who call on the Lord: Cp. Ps 99:6; Joel 2:32; Acts 2:21; 9:14, 21; 22:16; Rom 10:12-13; 1 Cor 1:2. • with pure hearts: Cp. 1 Tim 1:5.”
Philippians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Philippians 4:23: (Gal 6:18). be with you all. Amen--The oldest manuscripts read, "Be with your spirit," and omit "Amen." Next: Colossians Introduction”
2 Thessalonians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Thessalonians 3:16: Lord of peace--Jesus Christ. The same title is given to Him as to the Father, "the GOD of peace" (Rom 15:33; Rom 16:20; Co2 13:11). An appropriate title in the prayer here, where the harmony of the Christian community was liable to interruption from the "disorderly." The Greek article requires the translation, "Give you the peace" which it is "His to give." "Peace" outward and inward, here and hereafter (Rom 14:17). always--unbroken, not changing with outward circumstances. by all means--Greek, "in every way." Most of the oldest manuscript”

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