Andrew Murray, a 19th-century pastor and prolific author, devoted much of his life to exploring the depths of prayer and discipleship. His writings, now in the public domain and widely available online, continue to move minds and hearts toward deeper intimacy with God. One book that has profoundly impacted my own spiritual journey is With Christ in the School of Prayer. In it, Murray offers this powerful insight:
Of all Christlike traits, none is higher and more glorious than conformity to Him in the work that now engages Him without ceasing in the Father's presence — His all-prevailing intercession. Interceding for His Church is what Christ does on the throne in heaven. He invites each of us to participate with Him in this work.
Andrew Murray, With Christ in the School of PrayerA note of caution: this invitation to intercession is not just a call to pray — it is a call to learn. Prayer is not instinctive; it is cultivated. And just as Christ taught His disciples to pray, He also modeled a life of study, reflection, and obedience to the Word. The Church is called to be a House of Prayer (Matthew 21:12–14), but it must also be a place of learning, where the Scriptures are studied alongside the great books of the Church, so that our prayers are founded in truth.
Jesus Himself gave us a model in the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6) — a framework that begins with worship, moves through surrender, petition, forgiveness, deliverance, and praise. But this prayer is not meant to be recited mindlessly; it is meant to be understood. And understanding comes through study. When we meditate on the Word, we begin to grasp the heart of God, which in turn informs how we pray.
Prayer is not instinctive — it is cultivated. As we read the Word, we discover what to pray for. As we pray, we are drawn back to the Word for understanding and confirmation.
Christ's own life was one of both prayer and Scripture. He withdrew daily to commune with the Father, and He quoted Scripture constantly — showing that prayer and study are inseparable. Hearing the voice of the Father was essential to His earthly mission, and it is essential to ours.
Yet many of us struggle in this area. We attend prayer meetings that become social gatherings, and we often feel unsure of how to pray. We may know the Lord's Prayer, but never attempt to understand it. We must learn to pray by praying — and by studying. The two disciplines feed each other.
A daily rhythm of prayer and study is transformative. Begin with worship — perhaps through music or silent reflection. Then move into thanksgiving, acknowledging God's goodness. Follow this with Scripture reading, allowing the Word to shape our petitions. Write down what you sense God is saying. Journaling becomes a space where prayer and study meet, and where insights are preserved.
Importantly, we must pray with expectation. Too often, we ask without believing. But Scripture teaches us to pray in faith, anticipating God's answers. If our requests are misaligned with His will, He will correct us through His Word and Spirit. As we consistently seek Him, we begin to discern His voice more clearly.
Prayer must also extend beyond our personal needs. We are called to intercede — for our families, our churches, our nation, and the world. We must pray for our leaders, both political and spiritual, and for the global Church, especially those suffering persecution. This is not optional; it is the work of the Body of Christ.
And we must pray for revival — for the Holy Spirit to visit our homes, our congregations, our communities, and our world. As we engage in this divine partnership, we become part of a spiritual battle for souls. God desires that none should perish. As our time of prayer and study draws to a close, let it end in praise. These moments will become irreplaceable. We will be changed — made whole, renewed, and equipped.
Murray's vision for what united prayer could accomplish — if we only believed it:
- If the believing husband and wife knew that they were joined together in the name of Jesus to experience His presence and power in united prayer.
- If friends believed what mighty help two or three praying together could give each other.
- If in every prayer meeting the coming together in His name, faith in His presence, and the expectation of the answer were of foremost importance.
- If in every church united, effective prayer were regarded as one of the chief purposes for which they are banded together — and the highest exercise of their power as a church.
- If in the Church universal the coming of the kingdom, the coming of the King himself — first in the mighty outpouring of His Holy Spirit, then in His own glorious person — were really matters of unceasing united crying to God.
God is calling us. Not just to pray, but to learn. To enter the School of Prayer with Christ as our teacher and Scripture as our textbook. Join this great work. The invitation is open.
Andrew Murray, The Believers School of Prayer (Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 1982).