Praying as we Ought to! 2

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7

Do you complain about your situation or pray about it? At times many people complained about their circumstances, thinking that they were praying. This is a common problem among some believers. The problem with complaining is that it does not help the complainee and can lead to more problems than it solves.

In yesterday’s daily devotion, we talked about how Jesus outlines three core things in prayer to get significant results. The first thing he said was: ‘whatever things you desire,’ in other words, you must desire in prayer, that is, have a definite expectation in your prayer request, rather than just wishing and whining for something. A decided or definite prayer point is like a clear goal that is set for achievement.

Psalm 145:18-19 says, “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.”

The second core point is that prayer is verbal communication ‘when you pray,’ It’s voiced in words, not in complaints or wish without dedication. It’s why Peter could call Jesus’ attention, saying ‘the fig tree you cursed.’ He heard Him say things. Several times in Jesus’ prayer life, they heard Him say something. It can’t be a prayer if words are not present.

Prayer required you to ask, and asking requires you to say something with the intention of getting something done. Even praying in the spirit involves saying things only that are unintelligent to the human mind. That is why prayer is a medium for you to express your desire before God. Therefore, make up your mind to ask (do not complain) what you need in prayer. Matthew 21:22 says, “whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive if you have faith.”

Prayer:
1. Thank you, Jesus, for helping me know the importance of prayer.
2. Psalm 141:2; Oh Lord, let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting of my hands as the evening sacrifice! In Jesus’ name.