“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” 1 John 5:14 NKJV
God’s ability to answer our prayers is unquestionable. The Bible and history are replete with accounts and testimonies proving that God truly answers prayers beyond a reasonable doubt. Not believing that God answers prayers is as bad as not believing in the existence of God.
Prayer is a divine communion between the Almighty God and mortal men. It is simply talking with God about everything. Prayer is a sincere communication or dialogue with God, not merely crying, talking, or speaking to God.
Prayer is never meant to be a last resort when all other things have failed; it is intended to be your first port of call in all situations or circumstances.
Prayer is not a matter of choice; it is a must, a command, and a responsibility. We are not expected and commanded to pray daily, weekly, or monthly, but constantly, for prayer is our lifeline. The Scripture commands us to “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thess. 5:17 NKJV).
Prayer is not intended to be a means of getting God’s attention and help when we are in crises or desperate situations, but rather a deep communion with God. Prayer is not meant to be a violent or aggressive reaction to an unpleasant situation, but an action inspired and directed by the Holy Spirit.
God is not a mercenary whose service is only needed in the days of battles against our enemies. Neither is God a waiter or steward at our beck and call, waiting for us to attend to our whims and caprices.
Besides, God is not a multi-purpose machine or tool we can pick up and use for quick fixes or get urgent tasks done, but set aside when not needed. Praying to God is not the same as strolling into a shopping mall to pick up any goods we desire or fancy.
Although you can pray anywhere, anytime, and about or for anything, you cannot pray anyhow because God has given us specific instructions and guidelines in the Bible on how to pray effectively.
When you pray anyhow, contrary to God-given principles of prayers in the New Testament, God is not bound to answer your prayers. Therefore, we must understand the fundamental truths or principles of prayer as outlined in the New Testament.
First, Prayer is a spiritual offering meant only to be offered to the Almighty God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth.
The Bible teaches that our prayers are like a spiritual offering and that God is the only One worthy of receiving our prayers’ offering (Rev. 8:3).
While Peter was in prison, the Scripture testifies that “constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.” (Acts 12:5 NKJV).
So, when your prayer is not directed to God, the Creator of all things, you are not praying. Many people today who pray to angels, prophets, statues, or images of saints from the past are not just wasting their time and energy because they are praying incorrectly; they are also committing idolatry and breaking God’s commandments (Exo. 20:3-5).
Second, Prayers to God are to be offered through and in the name of Jesus Christ.
Although we have several gods, religions, and religious leaders today presenting and parading themselves as a link, connection, or access to God, there is only one proper way, means, or access to God given to us in the Bible and approved by God.
The Lord Jesus publicly and clearly said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6 NKJV).
Jesus Christ is the only approved spiritual gateway to the throne of God (Heb. 10:19-22). God is only committed to answering prayers offered to Him in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Jesus assures His disciples, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.” (John 16:23). “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.” (John 14:13-14).
Prayer becomes a futile, failing, and frustrating exercise if it is not directed to God the Father in the name of God the Son, Jesus Christ, and through the guidance of God the Holy Spirit.
Third, God does not answer prayers contrary to His perfect will, plans, or purposes.
Although God has all the power, means, and resources to answer all your prayers and grant all your requests, He will not answer any prayer that does not align with His perfect will, plan, and purpose for your life.
The Scripture clearly states this truth, “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” (1 John 5:14).
Beloved, it is not the loudness of your voice, the enormity or urgency of your needs, the volume and frequency of your prayers, or your gesticulation or desperation in prayers that God considers before answering your prayers, but His perfect will, plan, and purpose for your life in the situation.
Therefore, you will save yourself from untold frustration if you first seek to know and understand God’s perfect will, plan, and purpose in a situation before you begin to pray.
How do you know God’s perfect will, plan, and purpose in each situation?
Renew your mind according to the truths of God’s Word!
As you renew your mind through diligent and prayerful meditation on God’s Word, it will become easier to discern, recognize, and understand God’s perfect will in any situation (Rom. 12:2).
Find out more New Testament prayer principles in this piece’s second part!
Prayer:
Dear Holy Spirit, teach and help me daily to be more sensitive and receptive to You so that I may begin to pray according to God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will, in Jesus’ name. Amen.