When we talk about prayer, it is largely the case that we're talking about our role in it. We're always thinking about our words, our posture, our needs, our faith. But God is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). God started the communication with us. Jesus says in Revelation 3:20, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come into him and will sup with him, and he with Me." Jesus invites Himself over, He calls for us, and He will prepare the food so that we can eat together. We just respond.

We think that faith is something we work for. That if we push hard enough, that God will listen. But Ephesians 2:8-10 says, "For by grace are you saved through faith; and that is not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them." God grants the faith necessary to believe in Him. 1 Cor. 12:9 lists faith as a spiritual gift.

But it is also true that it is something we work in and can be increased. Galatians 6:22 lists faith as a fruit of the Spirit. We need to respond in faith with what God has already presented to us and commanded us, and then the fruit of faith will flourish.

God is always active. He reigns on His throne determining times before appointed and the bounds of our habitation, that we should seek the Lord- if that we might feel after Him and find Him: although He has made Himself not far from every one of us (Acts 17:26-27). He is not the deistic god, who created the worlds and left us. He reveals Himself, and takes care of the ravens and lilies. And He takes special care of us, both in circumstances and through special revelation- saving faith.

The Trinity also does something for us called intercession. Jesus is called our mediator (1 Tim. 2:5), and the Spirit our Helper (John 15:26). Mediator and intercessor are legal terms, akin to a lawyer. They go between two parties and present the intent and steps required for resolution of a conflict. This person also prepares us for our Day in court.

Jesus prays for us. Even though we killed Him, He doesn't hold that against those He's forgiven. It will not come up in court as a charge against us. He has the right to condemn, but for His love He forgoes that to fulfill His great desire: reconciliation. That all things be conformed to His likeness because He is great and generous. Romans 8:34 notes that it is lunacy to fear condemnation, either in the world or from God, seeing that He's the highest authority and He chooses to make intercession for us. Hebrews 7:24-25 says that He saves His own to the uttermost (furthest depths) because His life is spent always making intercession for us.

God is not waiting for us to make the first step. He has made plans, and enacts those plans to bring us to Him. He shows up on our doorstep. The Holy Spirit dwelling inside of us grants us full earthly access to God. Jesus, at the right hand of God the Father, is pleading our cause with more information about our plea and circumstance than we could ever know. God the Father answers our prayers. Every single time. Aside from our circumstances, He does this by granting us more capacity for the Holy Spirit, making Jesus' character more evident in our lives.

A common phrase is, "I believe in the power of prayer." There is no power in us doing a thing. The Lord is the one who's powerful.

These words spoke Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify your Son, that your Son also may glorify you:

As you have given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as you have given him.

And this is life eternal, that they might know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

I have glorified you on the earth: I have finished the work which you gave me to do.

And now, O Father, glorify me with your own self with the glory which I had with you before the world was.

I have manifested your name unto the men which you gave me out of the world: yours they were, and you gave them me; and they have kept your word.

Now they have known that all things whatsoever you have given me are of you.

For I have given unto them the words which you gave me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from you, and they have believed that you did send me.

I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which you have given me; for they are yours.

And all mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I am glorified in them.

And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to you. Holy Father, keep through your own name those whom you have given me, that they may be one, as we are.

John 17:1-11