Prayer is the way that we demonstrate that we are not simply materialists who think that all our blessings come to us through material means, but know that every good and perfect gift comes to us from our Father. Prayer demonstrates that we believe God is the source of our lives and the sustainer of our lives—that we do not, “live by bread alone.” 

Do you believe in God? This post isn’t about evidence for the existence of God—not an apologetic seeking to convince unbelievers of God’s existence—they know. This blog is for you: average Sunday-going, Bible-believing Christian. Do you believe in God? This post isn’t about evidence for but demonstration of belief. 

“Of course I believe in God! I’m in church every time the doors are open, and serve wherever I’m asked”, might be your reply, Thank you for that. I hope the Lord blesses you in that service, but that’s not what I’m asking.

“I’ve read through the Bible multiple times,” and maybe you’re able to quote obscure tidbits from it, and you know it well. That will absolutely serve you and is good to know.

“I know our standards and have read through them and multiple systematic theologies.” Or, “I’m a moderator on a very popular Facebook group where our entire purpose is to discuss God and the things of God.” 

Great! But none of those answer my question. 

I’m not asking if you know lots of things about God. There are lots of blogs on the internet that talk about God. There are lots of apologetic ministries that will give you tools to argue the minutia of the transcendental argument, the teleological argument, or any number of arguments. There are lots of Facebook groups and pages that discuss any number of points of Biblical interpretation or theological points or argue politely or not so politely. Beyond that you can study theology and even memorize large chunks of the Bible. But again, none of those things answer my question. 

Now, out of all those things, which one shows you truly believe?How much do you need to know in order to show that you believe? Do you need to be able to cite and recite topics concerning God? Again, being able to do all of those things is great and can lead us into deeper knowledge of the Lord—and we definitely want that! But at the end of the day, what one thing puts rubber to the road and demonstrates that you believe in God? 

What is it that shows you recognize who he is and who you are and you are in desperate need of him, and that you believe that he alone is able to supply you with life and with spiritual growth and with mercy you need to get through each moment? What is it that demonstrates your belief in the Lord?

Prayer. 

There is nothing else that demonstrates that we understand our dependence upon God for every part of life like prayer. Prayer is an admission of utter dependence and reliance upon God. If it any point we attempt to undertake our lives without recognition of our dependence upon God we are functional agnostics or even functionally atheists.

We are not first and foremost materialists who think that the answer for every problem is to search after it in a way that is visible. We don’t think that God wound up the world and now it’s up to me to discover and find ll that I need. No. He is actively and intimately involved in his creation. He has every holy resource available to me for the asking. It is not my striving that will meet all my needs, it is his blessing that will. 

How do I know him more? Attend to my Bible reading or theology study with prayer asking his blessing. How will I overcome in my battle against sin? Prayer. How will I see my needs supplied and met in a way that I am content and not greedy for more or dissatisfied with my lot? Prayer. How will my lot improve? Prayer. 

Prayer is the way that we demonstrate that we are not simply materialists who think that all our blessings come to us through material means, but know that every good and perfect gift comes to us from our Father. Prayer demonstrates that we believe God is the source of our lives and the sustainer of our lives—that we do not, “live by bread alone.” 

Read More