Prayer is a special privilege that each Christian has. Direct access to God Almighty is a gift that the saved one should never neglect. The Bible says that we are to pray without ceasing. How magnificent that our creator, our savior and the eternal King of Kings wishes to converse with us in such a personal way. Too often we deny this most basic of communications; we should endeavor to have a greater understanding of this thing called prayer so that we might recognize it’s power.

The following Gk. terms are rendered prayer: (1) Deesis, prayer for particular benefits. (2) Proseuche, prayer in general, not restricted as respects its contents. (3) Enteuxis (1 Timothy 4:5), confiding access to God. In combination, deesis gives prominence to the expression of personal need; proseuche to the element of devotion; and enteuxis to that of childlike confidence, by representing prayer as the heart's converse with God. (4) Euche, which occurs only once in the NT in the sense of a prayer (James 5:15), but in this noun and its verb, the notion of the vow-of the dedicated thing-is more commonly found than that of prayer. The two other occasions of the word (Acts 18:18; 21:23) bear out this remark (Trench, Synonyms of the N.T., 2:1).

The first definition, deesis, is found in Luke 1:13 and is used in regards to prayer for our personal needs or the needs of other. This could be a new job, a promotion, or a victory over a specific battle. It is secret in request and is open in reward. This is a very key element in having a personal relationship with God. He knows us better than we know ourselves, so how much more is he equipped to provide us with the things that we need and desire. A wonderful confidence we should all have, not in ourselves, but rather in our Father who is faithful to provide our every need should we simply ask Him.

The second definition of prayer is proseuch. This is a general type of prayer, it could be for thanks, for glory, or for any number of things. It is not limited to a certain area, but rather encompasses communication with God in general. We are not limited to specific reasons for prayer, we have the ability to speak with God for any reason whatsoever.

The third definition is enteuxix. It comes from the root word entugchano which carries the connotation of an interview or conversation. In this instance we are not simply asking God for provisions but actually speaking with God. Obviously not in an audible sense but certainly in opening our hearts and letting the Holy Spirit move us as He wishes. This type of prayer is vital for us to increase in our faith. Prayer to the Lord is a sign of faith, and faith brings forth comfort. This could be a simple as allowing God to comfort you through prayer. The Lord will strengthen us when we are close to Him, we cannot be close to anyone unless we communicate in this fashion.

The fourth definition is only used once in the Bible as pertaining to prayer and that word is euche. This word is a type of vow or covenant. It carries with it all the weight and authority of God. We know that God is faithful to give us the things we need; the use of this word only solidifies the intensity of God’s promise to us. We should be eternally thankful for a God with whom we can freely pray. Let’s dedicate our lives to exercising this power of prayer.