Prayer: War-time walkie-talkie

John Piper uses an interesting analogy to describe prayer - war-time "walkie-talkie".

In his view, the purpose of prayer is to stay in contact with God so that he can direct us in a spiritual war. Of course, a walkie-talkie is a kind of two-way radio where a soldier talks to his commander and the commander gives direction or sends help.

In his great book Desiring God, Piper says that many Christians are more likely to see prayer as an intercom where the believer calls on God to provide blankets and pillows to make life more comfortable.

Is Piper's view correct?

There is no doubt that God is concerned about our personal needs.  The Bible tells us that God knows every hair on our heads (Matthew 10:30) and our very thoughts (Psalm 139:2).  He wants to hear from us and to meet our needs.

But Jesus urges us not to get so wrapped up in ourselves that we forget God's great mission for believers.  After telling his listeners that God will look after their needs, he says in Matthew 6:33:

"Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well."

So, our priority is God and what God wants.  We can be sure that what God wants is good for us.

I find myself turning naturally to my needs and wants when I pray.  There is nothing wrong with that.  It is an initial step for all believers as they learn to pray.

But I am gradually learning to look at the world through God's eyes.  Who does he want to see touched by the Spirit of God?  Who does he want me to help with God's love?  Who needs God's healing? How does God want me to change?  What is he calling our church to do?

The apostle Paul's prayers in his letters are instructive.  Repeatedly, he says he prays specifically for the spiritual welfare of his readers.  And he asks them to pray that he will be bold in preaching the gospel.

That is "walkie-talkie" praying.