How Can We Grow Closer to God in 2025? (Part 2)
Spend More Time in Prayer.
Last week, we discussed the importance of spending time in God’s Word if we want to draw closer to Him in 2025. This week, we want to discuss the value of spending more time in prayer.
When we read the Word of God, we are listening to God speak (Heb. 1:1-3). When we pray, He is listening to us (1 Pet. 3:12; 5:7). It is a great blessing Christians enjoy to be able to approach the throne of God in prayer (Heb. 4:15-16).
As Christians are instructed to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17) we must take an honest inventory of our prayer lives to determine whether or not we are spending an adequate amount of time in prayer. I will be the first to admit that I need to improve and spend more time in prayer.
Hopefully, this article will help all of us see to it that we take the necessary steps to improve our prayer lives.
“Sweet Hour of Prayer.”
On September 13th, 1845, a poem was published in the New York Observer. The poem was written by William Walford and was later set to music by William Bradbury. The name of the hymn is “Sweet Hour of Prayer” and was published in 1861.
The beloved hymn is very rich and deeply rooted in Scripture. As we consider the words and how they harmonize with Scripture, it ought to encourage us to be intentional about improving our prayer lives in 2025 so we can draw closer to God.
First Stanza.
“Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! that calls me from a world of care, and bids me at my Father's throne make all my wants and wishes known. In seasons of distress and grief, my soul has often found relief, and oft escaped the tempter's snare by thy return, sweet hour of prayer!”
Prayer helps to create distance from the world.
First, notice that prayer “calls me from a world of care.”
We get so distracted in this world with our to-do-lists and our addiction to social media, sports, etc. that it can become very difficult to spend much time in prayer.
Studies show that the average person spends two hours and twenty minutes a day on social media. Imagine if we cut that in half and spent that time praying!
Prayer brings us to “our Father’s throne.”
Second, prayer “bids me at my Fathers throne.” The Bible teaches that when a Christian prays, he or she is going into the throne room of God (Heb. 4:15-16)!
What an awesome privilege to communicate with the Creator of the universe to make “all our wants and wishes known.” As we ask things according to His will, He hears us (1 John 5:14).
Prayer helps us find “peace.”
Third, prayer allows us to “find relief” in seasons of “distress and grief.”
As one studies the Psalms, he or she realizes that David, who penned a majority of the Psalms, found great relief in going to his God in prayer.
We too can find peace through Christ as we pray to the Father (Phil. 4:6-7).
Prayer helps us to fight against temptation.
Fourth and finally from the first stanza, we gain the courage to “escape the tempter’s snare.”
The Bible teaches that God makes a way for His children to escape so we can fight against temptation (1 Cor. 10:13; cf. 1 Pet. 5:8-9; Eph. 6:18).
Second Stanza.
“Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! Thy wings shall my petition bear to Him Whose truth and faithfulness engage the waiting soul to bless. And since He bids me seek His face, believe His word, and trust His grace, I'll cast on Him my every care, and wait for Thee, sweet hour of prayer!”
Prayer reminds us that God hears our prayers.
First, from the second stanza, we learn that our prayers are carried on “wings.”
This word picture is beautiful and reminds us that God does hear the prayers of the righteous (1 Pet. 3:12; cf. Psalm 141:2; Rev. 8:3-4).
Prayer reminds us of our responsibility to pray in faith.
Second, we notice the reciprocal pattern in prayer. God “bids me” to seek His face, believe His word, and trust His grace.”
I must respond by faith to this gracious invitation (Jas. 1:5).
Prayer encourages us to pray knowing God truly cares.
Third, and finally, the hymn reminds us that God cares for us and encourages us to bring our hearts’ desires to Him through prayer:
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:6-7).
This timeless hymn reminds us that we need to slow down and spend more time talking to God. We have examined seven points from the hymn that when applied, can help us to draw closer to God through prayer:
Prayer helps to create distance from the world.
Prayer brings us to “our Father’s throne.”
Prayer helps us find “peace.”
Prayer helps us to fight against temptation.
Prayer reminds us that God hears our prayers.
Prayer reminds us of our responsibility to pray in faith.
Prayer encourages us to pray knowing God truly cares.
May we all put these things into practice to improve our prayer lives and draw closer to God.
Next week, we will discuss the impact of associating with godly people.
Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.
Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life.
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Really enjoying this! Your words are not falling on deaf ears! I’ve shared this with several people this week!!!