In His Name Devotionals
ESSENTIAL PRAYER
In His Name Devotionals
ESSENTIAL PRAYER
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray...then will I hear from heaven...” (2 Chron. 7:14)
Prayer is every bit as necessary to the vigor of man’s spiritual nature as fresh air is to the health of his body. It is an expression of the inner being, a pouring out of the deepest feelings, a communication of spirit with spirit, man with God, and that is indispensable.
It is an approach to the Father whose ears are open to our prayers (1 Pet. 3:12).
Jesus compares us to the parental relationship to teach us God’s eagerness to grant the requests of His children. “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him” (Matt. 6:11).
God answers every prayer offered in accordance with His will. But sometimes our prayers are answered differently than our requests; according to what is best rather than what we think is best.
“But they that seek Jehovah shall not want any good thing” (Ps. 34:10).
Our prayers must be offered in faith, “All things whatsoever you ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive” (Matt. 21:22).
Our prayers must be offered sincerely, humbly and fervently. “I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind” (1 Cor. 14:15).
Our prayers are to be offered in the name of Christ. Jesus said, “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (John 14:13-14). Since Jesus Christ is our high priest, He alone can take our prayers to the throne of God’s grace (Heb. 4:14-16).
Jesus prayed not only for Himself, but also for others (John 17:20-21).
Nothing was more characteristic of the life of Jesus than His constant attention to prayer. Are we continuing steadfastly in prayer by following His example?
