A first characteristic of prayer should be reverence. The word reverence is defined as “bashfulness, modesty, or shamefacedness” (Strong’s). Literally the attitude of reverence carries with it the realization that we do not deserve to enter God’s presence or petition Him through prayer. It carries with it the concept of humility, a common New Testament principle. Perhaps of all places of which this is spoken in scripture, Luke 18 would be the clearest:
“And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week. I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for everyone that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Luke 18:9-14).
Notice the clear distinction between the prayers of these two men. The Pharisee felt as though he were doing God a favor by blessing God with his presence and his words reflected his attitude. The publican, on the other hand, did not even feel worthy enough to lift his eyes in the direction of God’s domain and his words also reflected his attitude. Absolute humility. Such reverence should be characteristic of our prayers as we bow our knees to God.
A second characteristic of prayer must be fervency. One of the most often quoted verses that pertains to prayer in the New Testament is James 5:16, where the this needed characteristic of prayer is mentioned: “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Strong’s defines the words “fervent” as “to be active, efficient, to be mighty in.” Matthew Henry said that it carried with it the implication that “it must be a pouring out of the heart to God; and it must proceed from a faith unfeigned.” A truly fervent prayer will be said by one whose heart trusts fully in prayer’s power and for that reason commits one’s self wholly to its practice. Prayer cannot be approached skeptically or pessimistically. Fervency is needed in prayer as to our knees we bow before God.
Then, a third characteristic of prayer must be gratitude. God has been gracious to allow this avenue by which we can approach Him with our innermost cares and concerns, and we should be eternally and infinitely appreciative of that blessing. Christ gave thanks to God in prayer (Matthew 15:36). Paul, on numerous occasions, mentioned the thanks he gave to God (I Corinthians 1:4; Philippians 1:3-4; Colossians 1:3; I Thessalonians 1:2; II Thessalonians 1:3; II Timothy 1:3; Philemon 4). A heart truly filled with thanksgiving to God will be reflected as knees are bowed before God’s throne of grace in prayer.
Prayer is such a powerful and prolific tool with which man has been blessed. Even pondering the love the eternal God must have to give His unworthy children this avenue boggles the mind. But because it has been graciously bestowed, we should strive to know more about it and use it in the bountiful ways we can. For yourself, for others, for your family, for your friends, for the church, for the world, for your allies, and for your enemies; remember them all, realize their needs, and know God’s ability to bless—and for this cause bow your knees.