Prayers : Part 5

"And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full ."

John 16:23,24

We’re laying and establishing a sure foundation about prayer so that you as a member of the Body of Christ can receive answers (and isn’t that the whole point?). We first learned that you must be taught to pray. Christ’s attitude about prayer in John 16:23, 24 tells us that we shall receive what we ask the Father for. Knowing we have the petitions of our heart leads to boldness in prayer (1 John 5:14, 15).

1. Prayer is us connecting with the Father. Why does it seem so many beg or are weak and unsure when they pray? Change your mindset! Begging and groveling is not humility. Previously we covered:

• In what position should we pray? (part 3) Standing, sitting, laying face down; it doesn’t matter.
• Where should we pray? (part 3) Everywhere. Location doesn’t matter.
• When should we pray? (part 4) Diligently (Romans 12:12). Start and never stop.

This week we will explore:

• How long should we pray? Jesus didn’t give us a time reference specifically, but He did admonish us not to use “vain repetitions” (Matthew 6:7). Asking again and again and over and over will not work. The prayer of Thanksgiving is the only prayer we are to pray continually. Otherwise, ask once in confidence and trust that God hears you the first time. The answer is: pray as long as it takes, but petition once.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Remove the commas. “Rejoice always pray without ceasing in everything give thanks…”

Luke 18:1-8 – We are to always pray and not faint (give up) as a way of connecting with the Father. Remember that faith makes prayer work. Jesus’ point is that answers shouldn’t take long (v. 8).

Daniel 10:10-13 – God is the same today as in the Old Covenant. Inspiration can be found in Daniel’s account which highlights that to get answers, you must speak. God’s angel came for Daniel’s words. There is no such thing as a “silent prayer” or “silent petition.” Michael, one of the most powerful angels, came to help Daniel after hearing his prayer on the first day. Start standing against principalities.

Psalm 103:20 – Did you know that we almost have more power than angels? They are to minister to and work for us. We are behind enemy lines and prayer keeps in right standing with God, the Father. But we can help the angels out – they are battling the forces of darkness for us. Choose not to wait! God will avenge us speedily (Luke 18:8).