There are no believers who do not pray. But the majority of those who pray are frustrated with prayer. Their complaint is that God does not answer their prayers. But they pray. Many people reject God when they don’t get what they want. When this happens, the believer becomes an atheist!
In history, Jesus said the most about prayer. Jesus exhorted his followers to pray continually. He taught what prayer is and how to pray. Moreover, Jesus Himself set the example in prayer. Jesus emphasized prayer above all else in life. Time was found for prayer before breakfast. The Holy Bible says: ‘Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.’ (Mark 1:35). Even as the people rushed to see him, Jesus wanted to talk to God through prayer: ‘However, the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed. (Luke 5:16). When Jesus stood by the dead body and prayed, the dead came back to life. When he prayed with five loaves of bread and two fishes, the hunger of many thousands was satisfied. Sinners were able to draw near to a holy God when they prayed on the cross.
Why is prayer unanswered?
The Bible says that there are some things behind the unanswered prayers from God. God does not bless those who pray but do not obey Him. God shares His desires and hopes through the Bible. The Bible is the written word of God. It talks about blessings and curses. The Bible makes it clear how we can receive blessings from God by obeying Him. Selfish interests also prevent the prayer to be answered. For example, if you pray to destroy the one who opposes you, God will not cooperate with it. ‘You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.’ (James 4:3). Prayer with doubt is not answered. He is a god. A prayer to show who it is will not work.
When should we pray?
People who pray daily, might set aside some time for prayer. This could be in the morning, evening or night. Some pray only when they are in some crisis or danger. But God asks us to pray to him at any time and on all occasions. We should pray not only in times of sorrow but also in times of joy. Only then will God be with us in times of trouble. Therefore, wherever you are, you should remember the God who gave you life and life; Pray.
A prayerful man is stronger than any weapon. A person who constantly communicates with God through prayer can find a solution to any of his problems. The Bible teaches many things to receive God’s blessings through good prayer. Let’s see what they are.
God loves his children
Jesus asked us to pray, saying, ‘Our Father in heaven’ (Matthew 6:9). A father has duties to his children. Children can ask and get from their father. Moreover, the blessings of the father are the inheritance of the children. So the person who prays should become a loving child of God. How to become a son or daughter of God? The Holy Bible says: ‘But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name’ (John 1:12). Those who believe in Jesus and live according to Jesus are children of God. When they pray to Jesus, their prayers are answered.
Many people say that they do not know how to pray. But don’t take this as an issue. It is enough to pray like a son or daughter as if they are confessing things to their father. Jesus, who taught his disciples to pray, will also guide you in this matter.
Pray with faith
For a child of God, God’s riches and blessings are in store. So pray believing that you have received them. Jesus, who taught us to pray, says: ‘Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. 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 11:24,25).
Obey God
Only prayer from a heart fully surrendered to God will yield the desired results. The Bible says: ‘And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.’ (1 John 3:22). Obedience is the key to effective prayer. Jesus is the only person who lived according to all the commandments of God. So know what Jesus is asking. Live by it. Jesus said that His words are ‘life’.
To whom should we pray?
Jesus clearly says to whom to pray. Note: ‘And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. If you love Me, keep My commandments.’ (John 14:13-15).
Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
John 16:24
Jesus makes another promise. Jesus has said that if two of you agree on anything they ask on earth, it will be received from my Father in heaven (Matthew 18: 19, 20). Why pray only to Jesus? The Bible reads: For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all (1 Timothy 2:5).
Seek God’s Will
Most people pray to get their needs met. Before offering a prayer to God, one must inquire whether it is God’s will. Understand that God only gives His children what is good for them. On the cross, Jesus prayed: ‘Thy will…’.
If you want to live a successful life by accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, who teaches you to pray and who brings blessings from God to those who connect with him through prayer, say the following prayer:
“Jesus, I am a sinner. I pray that you died on the cross for the forgiveness and salvation of my sins. Please free me from my sins and lead me to salvation. From this moment I accept You as my Saviour and Lord. I promise to follow you till the end of my life by obeying your commands”.
With this you have become a child of God. Experience the peace, joy, and contentment that comes through Jesus in new life.
Remember:
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17