Prayer

“Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, [the door] will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8 [AMP]

Hallelujah!

Jesus makes three specific promises concerning prayer,

1. Anyone who asks in prayer and keeps asking receives.

2. Anyone who keeps seeking in prayer will find.

3. Anyone who keeps on knocking on spiritual doors through prayer would have those doors opened.

Asking, Seeking, and Knocking in prayer are integral to the process of receiving what we need and teaches us to be faithful, responsible and patient, all means of building solid Christian character. The moment we pray, the process begins (see Daniel 10:12).

Prayer is the key to enter into the presence of God – “Let my prayer be set forth as incense before You…” Psalm 141:2 [AMP].

Our prayers should come from our hearts, hearts that are pure, “without anger or quarrelling or resentment or doubt [in our minds]” 1Timothy 2:8. 

We must be true pray-ers, not like those Pharisees who love to be seen, making long public prayers (see Matthew 6:5) – they utter useless hypocritical prayers for man’s recognition.

Apostle Paul, in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, exhorts us to “Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly]”. 

God wants to hear from us, His children. He looks forward to it and does not want us to withhold our prayers. Our Lord Jesus was always in prayer; He is our example to follow. 

Jesus prayed for every reason and on all occasions. Jesus taught His disciples how to be effective and efficient in prayer (read Matthew 6:6-15). The disciples recognized the importance of going to the Father in prayer. And we too must come to that realization; we must bring all our concerns to God in prayer because everything that is of concern to us is of concern to our God and, even though He already knows, He desires to hear about it from us.

Prayer has the power to remove obstacles, break barriers, pull down strongholds, open doors, close doors, change lives, heal the sick, cure addictions, guide the lost back home, enable victories, calm the storms of life, restore broken marriages, create pure hearts, renew steadfast spirits, and strengthen our relationship with God.

Prayer is amazingly effective!

So, this week we'll be spending time in God's presence through prayer. We shall utilize God's own Word to fashion personal prayers, as we ask and seek and knock. 

Expect your prayers to be answered, because God's Word does not return to Him without effect. 

Expect great things to happen in your life during your conversations with God; remember to listen out for His small, still voice. 

We will emerge better off than when we began, as we purposely spend time in His presence.

 Amen †

Prayer ©2013 Shelley Johnson 13-Jun-13