Many think of prayer as Communication with God but it is more. Prayer is Communion. Let me explain: In communication there is a sharing and interpretation of ideas through words or other means. Prayer is transcendent communication.
Whereas communication is the sharing of ideas – the imparting or exchanging of information or news – Communion, on the other hand, is an not an exchange but a relationship. Many times, I’ve wanted God to intervene in my life, save me, provide and protect and I’ve told Him so (that is communication). But God has been yearning for more – He wants a relationship with us – He longs for Communion.
In communion there is no sharing or interpretation of ideas. Communion, is a very different experience; it is worlds apart from communication. Communion is a very beautiful word, it is composed of two words: common and union. Common indicates a certain likeness of things, a commonality is a reflection, in that what is before you is similar to you. But when union enters the picture, the division between you and the other dissolves. The two become one. We are made in the image of God – we are His children, that is our commonality.
Prayer is Communion more than it is Communication. When we say let us pray: We are in fact expressing a willingness to forgive each other, embrace one another and love one another. Therefore, when we pray while harbouring hatred, unforgiveness, sin, selfishness and pride … no matter how much we cry, roll on the floor or even cut ourselves, we negate and undo the intentions of our prayers. That is a prayer in contradiction and is not in sync with the very definition of prayer. In this regard, the first item in our prayer should be Confession and repentance of sin, then seeking reconciliation with our spouses and family and then reconciliation with our fellow man. If I cannot forgive you – how do I expect God to hear my prayers? The act of forgiving one another and seeking forgiveness from God – is the legitimate prelude to prayer.