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 [AMPC]

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.

“And [the angel] said to me,

Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your mind and heart to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come as a consequence of [and in response to] your words.”  Daniel 10:11,12 [AMPC]

Prayer is the key to enter into the presence of God.

“Let my prayer be set forth as incense before You…”  Psalm 141:2 [AMPC].

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 AMPC).

We must be true pray-ers, not like those Pharisees who love to be seen, making long public prayers (see Matthew 6:5) – those who 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 and He 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 spend time in God's presence through prayer; utilize God's own Word to fashion personal prayers, as you ask and seek and knock.

Expect your prayers to be answered, because God's Word does not return to Him without effect (Isaiah 55:11).

Expect great things to happen in your life during your conversations with God; remember to listen out for His small, still voice (1 Kings 19:12).

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

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Prayer” ©2013 revisited December 7, 2025