Hold Fast to Heaven

In James 5:17, we’re told that Elijah “prayed fervently.” The original language says he “prayed in his prayer,” a phrase that reveals something deeper than routine Elijah’s prayer life was a wholehearted, Spirit-breathing, soul-engaging communion with God.

This is what prayer is meant to be. Not just words spoken into the air, but holy conversation between a believing soul and the living God. Puritan pastor Thomas Manton called it “the converse of a loving soul with God,” while John Bunyan described it as “a sincere, sensible, affectionate pouring out of the heart or soul to God, through Christ, in the strength and assistance of the Holy Spirit.” These weren’t mere definitions they were invitations into a reality many of us have only tasted.

For the Puritans, prayer was not optional. It was delight. It was battle. It was life. They prayed like it was breathing essential and unceasing. Today, in a world of digital distractions and spiritual fatigue, prayer has often become cold, mechanical, or absent altogether. We find ourselves practicing what some call "prayerless praying" going through the motions without engaging the soul. But it doesn't have to stay that way.

We can learn to take hold of heaven again. That happens when we take hold of ourselves and take hold of God.

Taking Hold of Yourself

Prayerful praying doesn't happen by accident. As the Apostle Paul told Timothy, “Train yourself for godliness” and “Take hold of the eternal life” (1 Timothy 4:7; 6:12). This kind of training includes effort, dependence on the Holy Spirit, and deliberate self-control—a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–24).

So how do we practically take hold of ourselves?

1. Remember the Motivation

Our motivations for prayer often get choked by distractions, coldness, or spiritual fatigue. Archbishop James Ussher named common hindrances like “weakness of faith, coldness in feeling, and weariness in waiting.” But what if we reminded ourselves of the purpose, privilege, and power of prayer?

• Purpose: To glorify God and find joy in Him.

• Privilege: To have the ear of the King of Kings.

• Power: As Thomas Watson once said, “The angel fetched Peter out of prison, but it was prayer that fetched the angel.”

2. Cultivate Your Heart

Prayer must come from a sincere heart. Thomas Brooks noted that God looks not at the length or elegance of your prayers but at their sincerity. The Holy Spirit produces in us the needed heart attitudes: faith, repentance, humility, boldness, love, and gratitude.

And like a child who comes to a loving father, our simplicity pleases God. Jesus taught us to pray to “Our Father,” reminding us that reverent trust delights His heart.

We must also saturate our hearts with Scripture. Prayer is not a monologue it’s a dialogue. God speaks through His Word; we respond in prayer. As Thomas Manton said, “Show Him His handwriting.” Praying the promises of Scripture is powerful because it aligns our prayers with God's will.

3. Remain Constant

“Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). This command isn’t just about endless requests it’s about living in continual communion with God.

• Maintain a prayerful attitude throughout the day.

• Set aside specific times for prayer.

• Be ready to pray at a moment’s notice.

Thomas Brooks described it beautifully: “A man must always pray habitually, though not actually... in all estates and conditions.” Even amid daily tasks, inward prayer can rise.

4. Embrace Discipline

Effective prayer requires time, perseverance, and structure. Joseph Alleine would rise at 4 a.m. for prayer. While that schedule may not be possible for all, the principle remains: prioritize and protect your prayer life.

Discipline includes not just time but organization. Consider keeping a prayer journal or list. Without a system, we may forget to pray for those God has placed in our lives. Organize your prayers by topic your family, church, missions, needs, and the lost.

Taking Hold of God

The Puritans often spoke of “taking hold of God” a phrase drawn from Isaiah 64:7. This kind of prayer comes not from human strength, but from grace-driven desperation. It is a clinging to God, just as Jacob wrestled with the angel and would not let go without a blessing.

Depend on the Spirit and the Son

We cannot pray rightly apart from the Holy Spirit. He enlivens our hearts, aligns our desires, and gives us access to the Father through Christ. David Clarkson said the Spirit enables us to pray “with confidence, and yet with reverence; with zeal and importunity, and yet with humble submission.”

Our prayers are offered in Jesus’ name not as a mere formality, but because He is our Mediator. Through His blood and intercession, we can boldly approach the throne of grace (Hebrews 10:19–22).

Pray with Faith

Real faith in prayer bears fruit:

• Reverence: The Spirit gives us holy awe.

• Fervency: The Word fuels white-hot requests.

• Confidence: We trust we will receive what is good if not what we ask, then what we should have asked.

• Trinitarian communion: Our prayers deepen as we relate to Father, Son, and Spirit.

• Boldness in promise: As John Trapp said, “Prayer is putting God’s promises into suit.”

In prayer, we don’t plead our merits. We plead His promises.

Joys That Yet Await You

Prayer can feel like drudgery at times. We’ve all knelt down, said some words, and realized our hearts were disengaged. But don’t stop. Pray to pray. Let the Lord warm your cold heart. Even Elijah, mighty in prayer, once lay under a tree and asked to die (1 Kings 19:4). God didn’t scold him He fed him, let him rest, and sent him forward.

The Puritans set a high standard, but they also pointed to a gracious God. The road to prayerful prayer is long, yet filled with joy. There are joys yet unseen, depths yet unexplored, and communion yet sweeter than anything this world offers.

So take heart, dear believer. Press on. Your soul was made for this. Heaven listens. And God, your Father, waits to hear your voice.

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