One Prayer Away: Answering the What, Why, and How of Prayer

Prayer.

You have probably heard the word countless times, but have you ever asked yourself what prayer really means? Do you wonder if God really hears your prayers?



What is prayer?

Having a relationship with Jesus Christ is more than just believing in Him. It is a constant walk and journeying with Him. And just like any other relationship you have, your relationship with God would not flourish without communication.

So, how do you communicate with your Heavenly Father?

God communicates with His children in many ways. One of them is through His Word in the Bible. On the other hand, His children can communicate with Him through prayers.

In prayer, you are connected to God. Whenever you pray and talk to Him, you can be sure that He hears you, sees you and understands you. He even understands your prayer even if you cannot find the right words to say. He knows what your heart is crying out for.

If God already knows everything, then why do I still need to pray?

It’s true that God knows you better than you know yourself. He knows everything about you because He created you in His image (Genesis 1:27). Because you are created in His image, you are also called to imitate His behavior.

Jesus showed an utmost importance on praying when He Himself prayed.

“Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.” (Mark 1:35)


When Jesus prayed, you are also called to pray as an act of obedience.

Isn’t it amazing to know that you are given a special opportunity to spend quality time with a Holy God?

Every prayer time is a time to talk to Him, hear from Him, lift your requests to Him, and rest in His presence. Praying helps you fight the enemy.

It is also a path to finding the answers to your struggles, as said in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place.”

How should I pray?

The way Jesus prayed is the best example of how you can pray. His prayer life showed how He wholeheartedly communicated with God the Father.

Luke 5:16 retells that Jesus “would withdraw to desolate places and pray.”

What does the Bible say then about praying like Jesus?

Pray to the Father in secret, as said in Matthew 6:6, “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Pray in the Name of Jesus, as said in John 14:6, “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”

What can I pray for?

In response to His disciples’ request, Jesus taught them to pray.

In Matthew 6:9-13, it is worth noting that the prayer starts with glorifying God. Then, you can then pray for God’s will to be done in your life, in your family, in your community, and in the whole world.

“Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9-10)


You may also pray for God’s provision, that He may supply your family’s needs.

“Give us this day our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11)


Then, ask God to forgive you from your sins, and to help you forgive those who hurt you.

“and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12)


Lastly, pray that the Lord will give you the victory from the enemy.

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (Matthew 6:13)


Will God hear my prayers?

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: 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 what we asked of him.” (1 John 5:14-15)

God has given His children the opportunity to come to Him through prayers any time, any day. As John 1:12 says, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” His heart remains open to those who want to accept Him as their Lord and Savior.

May you find joy as you pray and seek Him each day!

Do you want to know more about prayers? PUSH Pilipinas, CBN Asia’s online show is here to help you and pray with you! Catch it next Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at 8:00 PM on the CBN Asia, The 700 Club Asia and Batang Superbook Facebook pages.

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