Pray

I have wanted to write about prayer for quite a while. I have been leery of how to communicate in written words a topic so dear to my heart. Prayer is simple yet so misunderstood and at times made complex. Today, I pray that these words would enlighten your minds as to the benefits of prayer and encourage you to pray.

Jesus gave his disciples a few directions. He told us when we pray don’t be like the hypocrites. For hypocrites pray in front of everyone to be seen by men. He said, when we pray, go into a private place and pray before our Father. He said don’t use vain repetitions as the heathens do. For the heathens think they will be heard because of their many words. He said, “Don’t be like them.” “Our Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.”

Then He goes on to tell us in what manner we should pray: “Our Father in heaven. Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done. On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts. As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation. But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”

Before I expound of the scripture above the next sentence Jesus says is, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Hear ye His Word beloved, for His Word says, “we know that God does not hear sinners,”  herein, hear and know that if you harbor unforgiveness toward any your prayers are not heard by God.

Now in the manner that Jesus told us to pray we see that His Words are clear. First our prayers are to God alone. True prayer must be directed to Our Father in heaven. Our prayers are for His ears. And “the prayer of the upright is His delight.” 

What is most important for this writing is the spirit of this prayer. Our acknowledgement is that God is in heaven and that He is above all. Our prayers should be that His will would be done. We know that His Word is His will.

When we pray and set our hearts and minds on His will all of our issues whatever they may be get perspective. For it’s during this time that we realize that He truly is God in heaven and above all. And we are His, if we walking according to His Word. Then we have peace and confidence that His will, will be done on the earth. We understand that our life is about Him and His will for us and we believe and accept that it is good!

As we continue to seek Him through prayer and obedience to His Word  our understanding will increase. We must be diligent. Therefore beloved, pray without ceasing!