We have
been given a tremendous privilege in being able to approach God
directly in prayer.
1 Thess 5:17. Does God want us to pray often? James 4:2. Rather
than murdering, coveting, and fighting to get what we want, we
must pray! Matthew 7:7-11. God will give us wonderful gifts, but
we must ask Him! He knows what we need (Mt 6:8), but He wants
us to ask Him for it!
It is difficult to overstate how essential prayer is in the life
of a Christian. Just as physical relationships suffer without
proper communication, so our relationship with God suffers when
we don't talk to Him in prayer and don't let Him talk to us through
His word.
We can approach God only when we have been cleansed by the blood
of Christ. Sin in our lives hinders our prayers. John 15:7. Though
this word was given to the apostles, it shows the principle
of prayer: it works if we abide in Him. Why would God grant our
wishes and needs when we refuse to do His will? 1 Pet 3:10-12.
Peter quotes from Psalms to prove that even today God will not
hear the prayers of the wicked. Prayer is a blessed privilege
of those who live for God. Heb 10:19-22. The image is given of
approaching the Most Holy Place of the tabernacle and temple.
We can only approach when we have a true heart, faith, and cleansing
(v 22) from Jesus Christ. Because we have been saved from our
sins through the blood of Christ, we are allowed to approach God's
throne. Let us never forget that this is a privilege, not a right,
and that we forfeit the privilege when we persist in sin.
We must not pray to be seen of men (Matthew 6:5-7). Often we want
people to be impressed with our prayers (especially public prayers).
Our prayers must never be done to be seen of men, else we have
our reward. We must not pray to spend it on pleasures (James 4:3).
Our prayers can be simply a list of things we want. Like little
children, we often ask God for every passing fancy so we can do
what we like. James tells us these prayers will not be granted.
We must pray in faith (James 1:5-8). God may see fit to grant
our request, or He may not. Yet when we pray, we must believe
that He hears us and has our best interests at heart. If we pray
in doubt, we won't receive anything from the Lord (v. 7). Praying
by faith means no one has to see us or hear us, yet we believe
the Lord hears us.
Forgiveness. Often we sin and do things God forbids. Prayer is
an avenue of appealing to God with a repentant heart. Acts 8:22-24.
Peter told Simon to pray and Simon asked him to pray for him as
well. Prayer is effective in asking God to forgive sin. James
5:16. Not only do we pray for ourselves, but we also pray for
our brethren. Doesn't this show the need to confess to one another?
1 John5:15-16. John urges Christians to pray ("ask")
for others to be forgiven (the implication is they are repentant).
Help. The temptations of Satan and battles with the world can
wear down Christians. We must pray to God for strength and help.
Heb 4:14-16. We may approach God's throne in time of need. Jesus
knows our temptations, and can help us! 1 Pet 5:7, 9. God wants
to know our cares. We can turn to Him to help us through our difficult
times (Phil 4:13). Phil 4:6-7. Rather than being anxious, God
desires that we let our requests be made known to Him. He wants
us to ask Him for things and to seek His help in getting the things
we need for this life. Others. Our prayers cannot be self-centered.
We must think about others who need the help of our God as well.
James 5:15-16. Do we offer up the prayer of faith for those who
are sick? Can it "avail much" if we don't pray for others?
Phil 1:4, 9-11. Paul was concerned about the spiritual welfare
of the Christians in Philippi. He prayed for them always, wanting
them to grow and mature. Do we pray for others like this? John
17:9, 20. Jesus prayed for His apostles and for all who would
be His disciples. Do we follow His example? So many are lost and
dying. Do we pray for opportunities to teach them? Do we pray
for those who are sick and suffering? Do we pray for our brethren
and those who preach the gospel in difficult places? Are our prayers
simply a want list? The Lord's will. In all that we pray, we must
be certain that we truly desire the Lord's will to be done. He
knows better, and we can trust His decisions as what is best for
our lives. Matthew 26:39, 42, 44. Jesus prayed that God's will,
not His, be done. Do we have the humility and trust to admit that
what God wants is what we need, even if it seems unpleasant? 1
John 5:14. John tells us that we must according to His will. This
does not simply mean saying the words "If it is Your will,"
but it means praying for the things God desires and submitting
ourselves to His decision. James 1:5-8. Let us ask God for all
that we need!_--------_Jacob Hudgins
