Prayer: What does Johann Gerhard say?

Join us as Pastor Ricky Jacob explores the 400-year old writings of Johann Gerhard and his thoughts on prayer.

If someone wants to describe adequately the usefulness of pious, earnest prayer, he will, in my opinion, surely find a beginning more easily than a conclusion. Pious prayer offered in faith is a familiar conversation with God.

These opening words are of Johann Gerhard in answering the question: What is prayer? We will be reflecting on the various teachings of Gerhard written roughly 400 years ago on the topic of prayer.

Recently some have ridiculed those who say 'my thoughts and prayers are with you.' Prayer is maybe considered the least that one can do, but you are given a guilt trip in not doing more. When one is able to assist another in need ~ then by all means do so. However, let no one undermine the power found in prayer.

The power found in prayer is not in the individual who is offering up the prayer. No, the power is found in the One to whom one prays. You have been invited to pray to your Creator God through the Name of His Son Jesus, led by the Holy Spirit.

You can offer up your prayers at any time of day or night. You can do so silently or out loud. You can pray alone or with your family or with your family of God. One does not need an internet connection or even a smartphone. You are assured of a proper connection each and every time.

Gerhard taught the following benefits of prayer:

•    [Prayer] is a salutary [or saving] remedy to all the difficulties of life.

•    It is the key to heaven and the door to paradise.

•    It shows us how much we depend on God, and it is a ladder of ascension to God.

•    It is a shield for our defense and a faithful messenger of the ambassador.

•    [Prayer] is refreshment in the heat of misfortune; it is medicine during illness.

I close with this thought from Gerhard:

Whoever is truly a child of God through faith will, with childlike trust, address his or her heavenly Father every day in prayer. The one in whose heart the Holy Spirit has made His home will, as a spiritual priest, daily offer to God this incense of prayer.