“Because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.” Romans 1:19–20
According to Biblical truth, from birth, every human soul carries a seed of instinctive awareness—an inescapable sense that God exists. Romans 1:19–20 makes it clear that not only has God planted a knowledge of Himself within us, but also Creation itself shouts the reality of His existence. We were wired to recognize His invisible attributes, and when our lives unravel or we face weakness, fear, or loss, this primal awareness often erupts in a desperate cry for help—whether or not we know who we’re crying out to.
Even the way that non-Christian cultures pray with fervency and frequency is a testament that the instinct to pray is deeply embedded within humanity. It’s also interesting that the Bible speaks of God sometimes answering the prayers of unbelievers. For example, the Ninevites in Jonah 3, or wicked King Ahab in 1 Kings 21:27–28—both of whom cried out to God and He, in His mercy, responded.
So, if prayer is instinctive—why does this matter?
Because now we know that prayer is more than words—it’s a personal, communicative response to our knowledge of God. And the Bible, in Romans 1, makes it clear that every human being, regardless of belief, has access to some knowledge of Him. Thus, the basic instinct to reach beyond ourselves and to a greater power—is a universal fingerprint of our Creator upon every human.
But this instinctive desire to pray is useless if not combined with knowledge of God and a connection with His Spirit.
If prayer is simply a vague impulse; that is, just reaching out to “the divine” in times of trouble, driven by general awareness but lacking in the clarity of truth, then—it is wasted. It’s instinctive, but not relationally useful because it isn’t connecting us to God, the only One who can answer our prayers. It’s a cry from the heart, but often not a conversation with our omnipotent, omniscient, loving God. It’s much like a person in the desert who instinctively craves water and—drinks saltwater instead of fresh water.
Our instinct to pray must be directed to accurately connect us with the true God of the Bible, who created the instinct within us; otherwise, prayer will be a futile exercise leaving us more dissatisfied than ever.
Since prayer is a response to our knowledge of God, then it follows that prayer is profoundly altered by both the amount and accuracy of our knowledge. Without accurate knowledge of God, we create our own deity to suit our own interests and desires. What can THAT “god” do for us?
But when we are born again, our soul and spirit are made alive and able to connect with God.
Our inborn human instinct to pray is based upon a very general and unfocused sense of God. But after we are born again, we receive the indwelling of God’s Spirit and we have the capacity to have a real conversation. The Spirit opens our eyes. We are born into the family of God. We no longer grope in the dark for a distant deity; rather, we come boldly to our Father. The Bible describes this:
“And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Galatians 4:6
Through Scripture, we hear His voice. Through the Spirit, we respond—not as beggars, but as beloved children. Our understanding of God becomes clearer. What born-again believers can know about God comes with verbal specificity through the words of the Scripture. God’s living Word allows us to hear God speaking to us and we respond in prayer.
“[T]he word of God is living and powerful…and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
So, while instinctive prayer reveals our need for God, Scripture-based, Spirit-led prayer produces a conversation.
A baby instinctively desires to connect with her parents; but as she grows in knowledge and her ability to communicate—the relationship dynamically deepens. Prayer may begin as a one-way plea; but if we don’t want to miss out on the full benefits of our relationship with Almighty God—it should be constantly becoming a conversation. We NEED to connect with the God who Created us. As we grow in our knowledge of Him and become more obedient to His Word, we grow in our relationship with Him—prayer becomes more mature, more useful, more powerful, more magnificently experiential.
So while prayer may begin as a reflex born of desperation, it matures into a rhythm of relationship through the Word and the Spirit. This is where real intimacy with God begins—not only knowing there is a God, but knowing who He is—and that He invites us to call Him Father.
For a more in depth discussion, listen to this podcast featuring extraordinary prayer warrior, Lynn McLarty.
Thought to Ponder:
Is your prayer life driven more by instinct and need, or shaped by Scripture and a growing knowledge of God? What’s one step you can take today to move closer to a full, Spirit-led conversation with your Father?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing Yourself through Creation, Your Word, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. I confess I often come to You out of desperation instead of daily dependence. Help me grow from instinctive cries into deep communion. Teach me to pray—not just out of need—but because I long to hear from You and respond in love. Thank You for calling me Your child through Christ. Teach me to pray. May my prayers be more than words—let them be true conversations with You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
