Key Takeaways
1. Prayer is an Ascent of the Mind to God
Prayer is an ascent or elevation of the mind to God.
Transcendent communication. Prayer is not merely reciting words or performing rituals, but a profound elevation of one's mind and spirit to connect with the Divine. It's a transformative experience that allows believers to leave behind worldly concerns and enter into the presence of God. This ascent separates us from the mundane and aligns us with the sacred.
Barriers to ascent:
- Unconfessed sin
- Selfish motives
- Lack of faith
- Worldly distractions
To truly ascend in prayer, one must cultivate a pure heart, sincere faith, and a focused mind. Regular practice and discipline in prayer can help believers develop this ability to transcend their earthly limitations and commune more deeply with God.
2. Effective Prayer Requires a Right Relationship with God
God hears His children.
Foundational relationship. The efficacy of prayer is directly linked to one's relationship with God. It's not about the eloquence of words or the length of the prayer, but the state of the heart of the one praying. God listens to those who have accepted Him as their Father through faith in Christ.
Key aspects of a right relationship with God:
- Confession and repentance of sins
- Faith in Jesus Christ as Savior
- Obedience to God's commands
- Continuous communion with God
This relationship is not static but dynamic, requiring ongoing nurture and growth. As believers deepen their relationship with God, their prayers become more aligned with His will and more powerful in their impact.
3. Pray According to God's Will, Not Personal Desires
You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.
Aligning with divine purpose. Many prayers go unanswered because they stem from selfish motives rather than a desire to see God's will fulfilled. Effective prayer requires a shift from self-centered requests to God-centered petitions. This doesn't mean personal needs are ignored, but they should be viewed through the lens of God's greater purpose.
How to discern God's will in prayer:
- Study Scripture to understand God's character and promises
- Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit
- Consider how requests align with God's revealed will
- Be open to God's answer, even if it differs from personal desires
Praying according to God's will often requires surrender and trust, acknowledging that His wisdom surpasses human understanding.
4. Anticipatory Prayer Prepares Us for Spiritual Battles
Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Proactive spiritual warfare. Anticipatory prayer is the practice of praying in preparation for future challenges and temptations. It recognizes that spiritual battles are often lost before they are fought due to lack of preparedness. By engaging in anticipatory prayer, believers fortify their spiritual defenses and align themselves with God's power.
Benefits of anticipatory prayer:
- Heightened spiritual awareness
- Increased reliance on God's strength
- Better discernment of spiritual threats
- Quicker response to temptation
This practice involves regularly seeking God's guidance and protection, not just in times of crisis. It cultivates a lifestyle of dependence on God and readiness for spiritual challenges.
5. True Prayer Seeks God's Glory, Not Self-Promotion
Hallowed be Your name.
God-centered focus. The primary aim of prayer should be to glorify God, not to elevate oneself or achieve personal ambitions. This shift in focus transforms prayer from a self-serving activity to a powerful means of aligning with God's purposes and experiencing His presence.
Ways to focus on God's glory in prayer:
- Praise and worship
- Thanksgiving for His attributes and actions
- Seeking His will above personal desires
- Surrendering personal agendas
When prayers are centered on God's glory, they become more powerful and effective. This approach also cultivates humility and a deeper understanding of God's character and ways.
6. God Works Through Us in Prayer, Not Our Abilities
For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Divine empowerment. Effective prayer is not about human eloquence, education, or effort, but about allowing God to work through us. This understanding liberates believers from relying on their own abilities and opens them to the limitless power of God.
Key principles:
- Surrender personal strengths and weaknesses to God
- Rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance in prayer
- Trust in God's wisdom rather than human understanding
- Expect God to work in unexpected ways
This approach to prayer recognizes that God's power is made perfect in human weakness, encouraging believers to pray boldly despite feelings of inadequacy.
7. Persistence and Faith are Essential in Prayer
Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.
Unwavering commitment. Persistence in prayer demonstrates faith and aligns the believer's heart with God's timing and purposes. It's not about wearing God down, but about developing patience, trust, and alignment with His will.
Characteristics of persistent prayer:
- Regular and consistent prayer habits
- Continued faith despite apparent delays
- Willingness to wait on God's timing
- Deepening relationship with God through ongoing communication
Persistent prayer often leads to personal growth and a deeper understanding of God's ways, even when the specific request is not immediately granted.
8. Prayer Changes the Pray-er More Than Circumstances
Prayer changes things, all right, and the greatest thing in the world is when it changes you on the inside.
Internal transformation. While prayer can indeed affect external circumstances, its most profound impact is often on the one praying. This internal change is a critical aspect of spiritual growth and alignment with God's will.
Areas of personal change through prayer:
- Attitudes and perspectives
- Character development
- Increased faith and trust in God
- Deeper understanding of God's ways
As believers are changed through prayer, they become more effective instruments of God's purpose in the world, often leading to the very changes they were praying for in the first place.
9. Corporate Prayer Unites Believers in God's Purpose
Our Father in heaven...
Collective spiritual power. Corporate prayer, when believers come together to pray, has a unique power and purpose. It unites the church in common purpose, strengthens faith, and aligns a community with God's will.
Benefits of corporate prayer:
- Mutual encouragement and support
- Increased faith through shared experiences
- Unified vision for God's work
- Greater sense of community and belonging
Corporate prayer should focus on God's glory and the advancement of His kingdom, rather than merely personal concerns. It's a powerful tool for church unity and spiritual revival.
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FAQ
What's "Going Higher with God in Prayer" about?
- Focus on Prayer: The book by A.W. Tozer, compiled and edited by James L. Snyder, emphasizes the importance of prayer in a Christian's life, portraying it as a lifelong dialogue with God.
- Prayer as a Ministry: Tozer views prayer not just as a duty or ritual but as a ministry and a channel through which God works in the world.
- Practical Guidance: It provides practical insights into cultivating a deeper prayer life, addressing common barriers and offering strategies for effective prayer.
- Spiritual Growth: The book encourages readers to align their lives with God's will through prayer, fostering spiritual growth and a closer relationship with God.
Why should I read "Going Higher with God in Prayer"?
- Deepen Your Prayer Life: The book offers profound insights into making prayer a central part of your spiritual journey, helping you to deepen your relationship with God.
- Overcome Prayer Challenges: It addresses common obstacles to effective prayer, providing guidance on how to overcome them and enhance your prayer experience.
- Inspiration from Tozer: A.W. Tozer's teachings are known for their depth and spiritual insight, making this book a valuable resource for anyone seeking to grow in their faith.
- Practical Application: The book is not just theoretical; it offers practical advice and methods to integrate prayer into your daily life effectively.
What are the key takeaways of "Going Higher with God in Prayer"?
- Prayer as a Dialogue: Prayer should be a continuous dialogue with God, not just a series of requests or rituals.
- Align with God's Will: Effective prayer involves aligning your life and desires with God's will, seeking His guidance in all things.
- Overcome Barriers: Identifying and overcoming barriers to prayer, such as self-sufficiency and lack of faith, is crucial for a fruitful prayer life.
- God's Glory: The ultimate aim of prayer should be to glorify God, not to fulfill personal desires or ambitions.
How does A.W. Tozer define prayer in "Going Higher with God in Prayer"?
- Elevation of the Mind: Tozer defines prayer as an ascent or elevation of the mind to God, emphasizing its spiritual nature.
- Access to God: Prayer is seen as a means of accessing God's presence and aligning oneself with His will.
- Beyond Rituals: It is not about mumbling phrases or performing rituals but about experiencing the presence of God.
- Channel for God's Work: Prayer is a channel through which God works in the world, using believers to accomplish His purposes.
What are the barriers to answered prayer according to A.W. Tozer?
- Human Self-Sufficiency: Believing we can handle everything on our own without God's help is a major barrier.
- Moral Judgments: Relying on our own sense of right and wrong, rather than seeking God's guidance, can hinder prayer.
- Unconfessed Sin: A guilty conscience and unconfessed sin can block our prayers from being effective.
- Misaligned Desires: Praying with selfish motives or outside of God's will leads to unanswered prayers.
What is anticipatory prayer as discussed in "Going Higher with God in Prayer"?
- Preparation for Crisis: Anticipatory prayer involves preparing for future challenges by seeking God's guidance and strength in advance.
- Example of Jesus: Tozer highlights how Jesus anticipated His crucifixion and prepared through prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.
- Spiritual Readiness: It emphasizes the importance of being spiritually ready for any crisis, knowing that battles are often won or lost before they are fought.
- Daily Practice: Christians are encouraged to make anticipatory prayer a daily practice, aligning themselves with God's will and protection.
How does corporate prayer benefit believers according to A.W. Tozer?
- Unity in Prayer: Corporate prayer brings believers together, uniting them in their desires and requests to God.
- Focus on God's Glory: It should aim to glorify God and seek His will, rather than focusing on individual needs or desires.
- Strength in Numbers: Praying together can strengthen faith and encourage believers, as they witness God's work in the community.
- Restoration of God's Vision: Corporate prayer can help restore God's vision and glory in the world, aligning the Church with His purposes.
What does A.W. Tozer say about the conditions for answered prayer?
- Right Relationship with God: Having a right relationship with God is essential for effective prayer, as He hears His children's prayers.
- Good Conscience: A clear conscience, free from unconfessed sin, is necessary for confident and effective prayer.
- Praying in God's Will: Prayers must align with God's will, as He does not answer prayers that are contrary to His purposes.
- Faith and Patience: Believers must have faith in God's promises and be patient, trusting that He will answer in His timing.
What are some of the best quotes from "Going Higher with God in Prayer" and what do they mean?
- "Prayer is an ascent or elevation of the mind to God." This quote emphasizes the spiritual nature of prayer, highlighting its role in connecting us with God.
- "You do not have because you do not ask." This underscores the importance of actively seeking God's help and guidance through prayer.
- "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." It highlights the power of sincere and righteous prayer in bringing about change.
- "God does not hear every prayer." This serves as a reminder that prayers must align with God's will and be free from selfish motives to be effective.
How does A.W. Tozer suggest overcoming the serpent that destroys prayer?
- Self-Examination: Tozer advises believers to examine their motives, ensuring that their prayers are not self-centered or for personal gain.
- Focus on God's Glory: Prayers should aim to glorify God, not to elevate oneself or seek personal recognition.
- Humility in Prayer: Approaching God with humility and reverence is crucial, recognizing that prayer is a sacred dialogue with the Almighty.
- Align with God's Will: Ensuring that prayers align with God's will and purposes helps prevent them from being hindered by selfish desires.
What role does God's wisdom play in prayer according to "Going Higher with God in Prayer"?
- Guidance in Prayer: God's wisdom guides believers in how to pray effectively, aligning their requests with His will.
- Understanding God's Plan: Recognizing that God's wisdom is perfect and His plans are unchanging helps believers trust in His timing and answers.
- Beyond Human Understanding: God's wisdom surpasses human understanding, and believers must rely on it rather than their own knowledge.
- Prayer as a Channel: Prayer is a channel through which God's wisdom and purposes are accomplished in the world, using believers as instruments.
How does A.W. Tozer describe the relationship between prayer and God's work through us?
- God's Channel: Prayer is the channel through which God accomplishes His work in the world, using believers to fulfill His purposes.
- Beyond Human Abilities: God does not rely on human abilities or wisdom; instead, He works through those who yield themselves to Him.
- Surrender to God: Believers must surrender their own desires and ambitions, allowing God to work through them for His glory.
- God's Unchanging Plan: God's work through prayer is part of His unchanging plan, and believers are called to align themselves with His will.
Going Higher with God in Prayer by A.W. Tozer receives high praise from readers, with an average rating of 4.63/5. Reviewers appreciate Tozer's conversational style and deep insights on prayer. Many find the book challenging, convicting, and relevant despite being based on sermons from over 50 years ago. Readers highlight Tozer's emphasis on prayer as experiencing God's presence, aligning with His will, and living a life of prayer. The book is described as meaty, inspiring, and a must-read for Christians seeking to improve their prayer life.
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