Topical Bible: Prayer: An Evidence of Conversion

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Prayer, within the Christian tradition, is not merely a religious duty or ritual but a profound expression of a transformed heart. It serves as a vital evidence of conversion, reflecting a believer's new relationship with God through Jesus Christ. The act of prayer signifies a personal and intimate communication with the Creator, demonstrating a believer's faith, dependence, and desire for communion with God.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible presents prayer as an essential aspect of the believer's life, deeply intertwined with the experience of conversion. In the New Testament, the transformation that accompanies conversion is often evidenced by a newfound inclination towards prayer. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, highlights this transformation: "For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!'" (Romans 8:15). This cry of "Abba, Father" is a prayerful expression of the believer's new identity as a child of God, made possible through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer as a Mark of New Life

The early church provides a vivid illustration of prayer as a mark of new life in Christ. Following Peter's sermon at Pentecost, those who accepted the message were baptized, and Scripture records that "they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" (Acts 2:42). This devotion to prayer was a natural outflow of their conversion, signifying their commitment to a life centered on Christ.

Furthermore, the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, who became the Apostle Paul, underscores the role of prayer in the life of a new believer. After his encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus, Ananias was instructed by the Lord to visit Saul, who was praying (Acts 9:11). Saul's immediate turn to prayer following his conversion experience highlights the instinctive response of a heart transformed by grace.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding and empowering the believer's prayer life. As Paul writes to the Galatians, "Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, 'Abba, Father!'" (Galatians 4:6). The Spirit not only assures believers of their adoption into God's family but also prompts and enables them to pray, reflecting their new spiritual reality.

Prayer as a Reflection of Faith

Prayer is also a reflection of the believer's faith and trust in God. The writer of Hebrews exhorts believers to "draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith" (Hebrews 10:22). This drawing near to God in prayer is an act of faith, demonstrating reliance on His promises and confidence in His character. It is through prayer that believers express their dependence on God for guidance, provision, and strength in their daily walk.

Transformation and Growth

As an evidence of conversion, prayer is not static but dynamic, reflecting ongoing spiritual growth and maturity. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, encourages believers to "devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful" (Colossians 4:2). This devotion to prayer is indicative of a life continually being transformed by the renewing of the mind, as believers seek to align their will with God's purposes.

In summary, prayer is a profound evidence of conversion, signifying a believer's new identity in Christ, their reliance on the Holy Spirit, and their ongoing journey of faith. Through prayer, believers engage in a transformative relationship with God, marked by intimacy, trust, and spiritual growth.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 9:11
And the Lord said to him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prays,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

What are Evidences of Backsliding in Heart.
... the other, in reality praying for their own conversion. ... will not be absent from prayer
meeting unless ... peculiar circumstances, it is strong evidence that they ...
/.../finney/the backslider in heart/iii what are evidences of.htm

The Backslider in Heart.
... of interest in secret prayer is also an evidence of a ... interest in the Bible and in
secret prayer, stop short ... 9. A want of interest in the conversion of souls ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xxi the backslider in.htm

The Spirit of Prayer.
... the same propriety be applied to the conversion of a ... to be unbelieving in regard
to the results of prayer. ... not see the connection, or do not see the evidence. ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture vi the spirit of.htm

The Conversion of Paul.
... as soon as we learn that he is frequent and fervent in prayer. ... the cause of an event
so extraordinary, perceived in his conversion such evidence in favour ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xii the conversion of.htm

The Three Witnesses
... enthusiasm," or, rather, where we see the Holy Ghost, attended by marvellous conversion,
deep repentance ... Was not the answer to your prayer good evidence? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/the three witnesses.htm

The Lord's Prayer for Unity.
... Christians fulfilled the conditions of the Savior's prayer and the ... well pleased to
give, as an evidence of the ... is a divine condition of the conversion of the ...
/.../the new testament commentary vol iii john/the lords prayer for unity.htm

The Prayer of Faith.
... 5. It is evident that the prayer of faith will obtain ... But how, then, can we have
evidence that this thing ... So a wife sometimes prays for the conversion of her ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture v the prayer of.htm

Those for whom Christ Prayed --"Sanctify Them. "
... A very good evidence of the genuineness of the conversion of the ... and they
conscientiously met in an "upper room" for a ten-day prayer-meeting. ...
/.../rees/the heart-cry of jesus/chapter iii those for whom.htm

Prayer for and with Each Other.
... forgiveness of sin, for the salvation of our loved ones, for the effectual conversion
of the ... And the mere prayer of intercession is not the evidence of love ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xliii prayer for and with.htm

The Conversion of Cornelius.
... of his own institution for the conversion of sinners. ... was one of the hours of prayer
among the ... Their disinterestedness is an evidence that they were sincerely ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xiii the conversion of.htm