Christian prayers are unique

Most people I’ve met do not know the difference between the prayers of believers in Jesus Christ and the prayers of Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, Jews, or New Age practitioners. I’m not writing this to criticize other religions but to look at why Christian prayers are significantly different. 

Where did you learn to pray? What does prayer do for you and for others? The Bible says, “…The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:16, NKJV) In other words, Christian prayer can accomplish a great deal. Let’s dive deeply into the foundation of Christian prayer, and I’ll ask you to make a few comparisons.

1. Notice that the Bible identifies you as righteous. You may not feel like a saint, but the truth of our relationship with God is based on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He cleanses us and makes us worthy to bring our needs and supplications to God.
2. Jesus clearly taught that there is no other access, person, or belief system that allows you to come to God. “‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” (John 14:6, NIV)  
3. Jesus also taught the disciples to ask God in prayer through His name. “‘And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.’” (John 14:13, NIV)  
4. Christian prayers fill us with the Spirit of God. Most other religions are focused on emptying the mind of thoughts or evil. The Bible says, “‘you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’” (Acts 1:8, NIV)
5. Our prayer lives are driven by faith in a great God who loves us. “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:6, NIV)
6. Our prayer lives are based on grace, not works. Most religions are built upon earning the favor of their gods or appeasing their wrath. Answers to our prayers as Christians are totally undeserved and unearned but given as a gift. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8, NIV).
7. Our prayers are not based on luck or superstition but on the real presence and person of Jesus. He said, “‘For where two or three gather in My name, there am I with them.’” (Matthew 18:20, NIV)

There is no greater name in heaven or on Earth than Jesus Christ. He is our open door to heaven, power, miracles, and a dynamic prayer life. And you are a miracle.