THE MEANING OF PRAYER

DAILY DIVINE WORD

Thursday, 13th August 2026

THE MEANING OF PRAYER.

Text: Jeremiah 33:1-3

1 - Moreover the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah the second time, while he was yet shut up in the court of the prison, saying,

2 - Thus saith the LORD the maker thereof, the LORD that formed it, to establish it; the LORD is his name;

3 - Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Understanding the meaning of a thing would help in the use and in the value of it. There's a popular saying that "when the purpose of a thing is not known, abuse is inevitable". It's the same thing with prayer. The meaning of prayer will go a long way with how we pray, what we pray for and receiving what we pray for. Over the course of this week, we'll be looking at prayer as a whole. But first, shall we discuss the meaning of prayer 

What is prayer?

According to standard English dictionaries, prayer generally means the act of speaking to or communicating with God, especially to express worship, thanksgiving, confession, or to make a request or supplication.

The key word I'd like to notice from the definition is communication. Prayer is a communication between God and man. 

So, what is communication?

According to Merriam-Webster defines communication is defined as “a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behaviour.”

Communication is an exchange of information between two individuals.

Linking those two definitions together, we can say that prayer is the exchange of information between God and man. When a man speaks to God, there should be feedback or before a man speaks to God, it should be a response to God's invitation or prior information from God.

Looking at our anchor text, these ingredients of prayer were fully represented; in fact, it was God that initiated this prayer in that instance. God called us to call on him; that was information, and then gave an assurance that he will answer and then bring about revelation of new things.

So, prayer isn't just about petition from us to God, but also an act of communion with God; it's also a worship and act of service to God. And while we pray, we must know that as much as we are eager to talk to God, God is also eager to respond, and that must be a goal each time we pray.

While we will discuss this later, I sense that this should be said: prayer isn't done only when you prepare for it in a religious way, because it's a communication; it should be a continuous act, while sleeping, talking, playing, eating or working. That is why the Bible says we should pray without ceasing, because it is expected to be a communication with God.

So, when last did you pray?

If you claim to be praying every day, when last did you hear from God? If you speak to God and you didn't hear anything from him or didn't wait to hear from him, it's not yet a prayer because the circle is incomplete. 

So, when last did you pray?

Reflection 

There must be feedback when communicating, so also there must be that complete chain of communication each time you pray.

Related Readings

 Living Hope

Letter from Hell

Kindly share this devotional and drop a comment if it has blessed you.