
The Importance of prayer Prayer is talking with God. It is an acknowledgement of and submission to a supreme being. Prayer springs out of the heart of man in adoration, confession, thanksgiving and petition to God for help. The Evangelist, Dwight Moody is quoted to have said "Satan will do anything to keep you from praying even if it means adjusting the window shade." This statement makes us realise the importance of prayer i.e. the ability of prayer to change situations.
Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touchingany thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. Our Prayer Warriors are ready to agree with you in prayer Aspects of prayer Some aspects of prayer are asking, seeking and knocking on heaven's door. Asking involves making your requests known to God. Seeking on the other hand has to do with searching for the will of God, while the last aspect, knocking, can only really occur when you have found out the will of the almighty regarding a matter. Types of prayers Even though there are prayers that do not seem to reach the sky, there are those that the Lord actually answers. Response from God usually comes in one of the following ways: The answer is sometimes instantaneous - when Peter prayed in Matthew 14:30 while sinking he cried out, Lord save me! To this he received an immediate answer. Read also Isaiah 65:24 D The answer is sometimes denied - The Lord knows best and would respond in this because not all our requests are going to be beneficial to us on the long run. (2Cor.12: 7-9) With this answer comes the peace and grace to accept the circumstance. The answer is sometimes delayed -This type of answer causes us to grow in faith. It teaches us patience and act as a good reason for continued prayer. (Luke18: 7) Pre-requisite for prayers The Bible tells us that to receive answers to prayers, we are to seek God with all our heart, ask in faith and in the name of Jesus. We are then to wait upon him for an answer. If our prayers go unanswered, we need to examine ourselves for Unconfessed sins, lack of faith or selfishness i.e. praying with the wrong motives. The next step is to confess and repent of the known sin/sins. God has promised to answer you in the day of trouble, so that you have no reason to fear or worry. Is there any situation in your life that needs a change? Even if it is an on-going situation, why not pray today and watch God do the impossible in your life. You too may soon acknowledge that, divine delays are not divine denials. |
