Prayer: What It Is and What It Is Not
TECHNIQUES FOR GETTING PRAYERS ANSWERED
By Dr. Frederick Eikerenkoetter
January 2008
There’s No Exclusive Way of Defining Prayer
I don’t ever mean to give what seems like an exclusive definition; this is an inclusive definition.
So here it is: Prayer is an open line of instant, constant communication with God-in-you.
You Don’t Have to Kneel and Bow Your Head
You don’t have to wait for any particular time or position to be in to pray—you don’t have to be in church or kneel and bow your head because the line of communication between you and God is open, instantly and constantly. Isn’t that wonderful?
We Can Enlarge Upon that Idea of God
Prayer is an open line of instant, constant communication...
with the mind of God-in-you,
with the intelligence of God-in-you,
with the wisdom of God-in-you,
and with the Power and the Presence of God-in-you.
So you see, the God I'm talking about is not just some stodgy theological idea, not some Old-man-in-the-sky concept of God like we were taught in Sunday School. God is in ME! God is in YOU! When I think about having an open line to God, I’m excited. And it's not a one way line, it's a two way line!
Sometimes You Must Shut Up and Listen
When you pray, talk some; for heaven’s sake, shut up, be quiet, and listen some. Sometimes when I pray verbally, sometimes the biggest thing I say quietly is "thank you Father", and then I listen. “Oh, thank you, Father!”
So remember that this is a two-way open line to God; you use your end, and God-in-you will use His. Now that’s a definition of what prayer IS.
I want to share a definition of prayer that may shock you, but will bless you and give you a new experience in prayer.
Prayer is Not Just an Emergency Measure
Some folks never pray unless they pray in some emergency, "Oh, Lord have mercy." I say prayer is a constant, ongoing communication with God-in-you.
Prayer is Not a Complaint Department
When I was in the Air Force, and they were going to entertain complaints, perhaps the Commander would invite you to his office, you know, to talk about what you don't like going on around the Squadron, and they would call them bitching sessions. And some of you haven't been praying at all; you've just been bitching.
Prayer is not a complaint department. Again, prayer is not something you do only when you want something. These things may seem elementary, but many people think that prayer is something you do in an emergency, or just something you do to complain, or just something you do when you want something.
Prayer Is Also a Giving Process
Last, be sure that you do some giving in your praying. This is one of the things that will help make prayer unusually successful.
What is it that I'm to give in my prayer? Give thanks.
Prayer is a thanksgiving process. Never pray without giving. Life is a giving process in some way or another, and life cannot be successful unless there's giving.
I like the words of the Apostle Paul, "In all things give thanks." So there should be giving in everything you do. And you should learn to give it in every form and every fashion, with love and gladness. If you want to do something about your job, about your work, start thinking about it as a giving process, and give lovingly, and you'll start receiving more. So put some giving into your praying.
Love, Peace, and Prosperity,
Dr. Frederick Eikerenkoetter,
Better Known as Rev. Ike.
© Rev. Ike Legacy, LLC. 2023. All rights reserved.
Listen to this FREE 5-minute audio mini-lesson and learn who really answers your prayers!
New book from Rev. Ike Legacy!
Reverend Ike: An Extraordinary Life of Influence
by Mark Victor Hansen (Author), Xavier Eikerenkoetter (Author), Bob Proctor (Foreword)
Just who was Reverend Ike? Why do millions of people of all ages, religions, and backgrounds tune in to hear his timeless teachings on life, love, hope, and how to live their best lives?
Explore the extraordinary life of Reverend Ike, his miraculous experiences and achievements, and how his understanding of the profound promises of abundant life through his insightful interpretation of the Bible led him to the transformative principles that have helped millions achieve financial success, independence, and joyful living.
Available for order in all formats: Hardcover, Kindle, and Audiobook.
