We often hear teachings on the “discipline of prayer,” as if prayer requires a great deal of effort, rules, and practice. Webster defines discipline as (1) training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character; (2) the control gained by enforcing obedience or order; the orderly or prescribed conduct or pattern of behavior; (3) a rule or system of rules governing conduct or activity. These definitions seem a far cry from the teachings that Jesus gave on prayer.

The life of Jesus best illustrates the role prayer should play in the life of the child of God. Jesus commonly prayed for hours on end, usually very late at night so as to have undisturbed, intimate time with the Father. He retreated up the hillside to pray when He needed respite from the crowds. He prayed before meals. He prayed when He healed the sick. He prayed with the lost for their salvation. He prayed long prayers and He prayed short ones. He prayed when there was a need or concern of any nature and He prayed when there was none at all. But nowhere in scripture do we find where Jesus taught prayer as a “discipline.”

We see throughout the Word of God where prophets, kings, disciples, women and men alike spent time with the Father in prayer. It was the way of life for the people who loved God. But again, nowhere do we see it described as a “discipline” by any of those who lived a life of prayer. Rather, we see prayer as so much a part of their lives that not to pray would undoubtedly have seemed out of the norm.

If prayer was so much a part of Jesus’ life and the lives of His followers, why do so few believers pray as an integral part of their lives today? Perhaps we’ve lost sight of the principle purpose of prayer. God created man to fellowship with Him and fellowship arises out of prayer. Until the day we stand before Him face to face, God’s gift of prayer is our means of conversing with Him. Our fellowship with Him is important to God, and He wants us to value that fellowship as much as He does.