FAITH with EVIDENCE - The Truth of Prayer through Experience
About Prayer
Prayer is the most essential and powerful means for believers to communicate directly with God in the name of Jesus. It is our spiritual breathing connecting us with our heavenly Father for intimate personal relationship with Him.
Reading the preceding chapters of Bible, God, and Gospel about God’s love and His plan for us, helps us to have a meaningful and rewarding conversation with the Almighty. Trusting in Jesus establishes our faith that God hears and answers all prayers.
Here is the awesome promise of Jesus Christ our LORD.
”If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:14
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?
If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” Matthew 7:7-11
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. He will withhold nothing for our benefit in accordance of His will and timing. Love God and one another as He loves us. Pray in faith!
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:37-39
God knows our needs before we ask and gives us the choice to ask Him in faith. Our trust and dependence on our heavenly Father is like infants relying on their parent. We may not always understand God’s answer and timing. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. Isaiah 55:8
Our omniscient God who sees the future will always decide the best for His children in accordance with His purpose. "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
Praying is not a ritual or scheduled performance like the futile praying of the pagans.
“So they took the bull which was given them, and they prepared it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even till noon, saying, “O Baal, hear us!” But there was no voice; no one answered. Then they leaped about the altar which they had made.” 1 King 18:26
We believe and pray to our true living God in the name of Jesus.
Jesus encompasses the important elements of praying in the Lord’s Prayer.
“In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen." Matthew 6:9-13
Jesus teaches us the importance of intimate praying.
“And when you pray, do not use vain repetitious as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.” Matthew 6:7
“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” Matthew 6:5-6
We pray to be near God because God loves us and we love God.
We pray for wisdom and guidance of the Lord. We pray so that we can live in accordance of His will. We pray for peace in trial and protection from temptation and evil. We pray for others and things we cannot do for ourselves. We pray with a repentant and grateful heart.
God is righteous and almighty. The question is not what God can do, rather what God would do. Wait on the Lord and not on our own understandings.
"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7
Pray to the Lord and be still. Thank God for His grace in everything. A grateful heart brings joy in our daily life.
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
"But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31
We listen and discern in whatever manner God is telling us. We know God’s word and trust His promise; if it is not from the Lord, it is not from above.
”I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. ” John 10:14
"Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left." Isaiah 30:21
No one should infer they have God's ear more than others. Do not be deceived by man in sheep's clothing. The power of prayer is not based on ones position or title. God is impartial. He is the righteous Creator of true democracy and freedom for everyone. "For there is no partiality with God." Romans 2:11
God promises His best to those who follow His commandments, walk in His ways, and do what is right in His sight.
To abide in His word and do what is right in His sight is a life long challenge. "Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God." 1 Peter 4:1-2
Our quality time with God in prayer is often without formulating speaking words. Pray in humility with a grateful heart for His grace and faithfulness. We thank God for our salvation and countless blessings. Pray in peace with a forgiving heart without malice, so that our prayer will not be hindered. “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses." Mark 11:25
God sees our hearts and knows our thoughts. If we trust God and put Him first above all things, we would find ourselves listening and conversing with Him at all times everywhere. “Pray without ceasing." 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Through Christ, we have the privilege of coming before God the Father to fulfill our longing, gratitude, and daily needs. Pray for those who seek God and desire to have a relationship with Him. We will see God and enjoy His eternal purpose for us beyond our mortal imagination.
"Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him." 1 John 5:14-15
"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16
"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19
Trust in God as He unfolds our earthly days. Rejoice in Prayer and in His blessings. God is listening. It delights Him to hear from us. It’s all between you and God.
