How Often Do You Pray?
“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. ” -Matt 6:9-13 (KJV)
We live in a fast paced and often troubled world. Our lives are filled with burdens, worry, concern, stresses and these cares can sometimes overload us. We have doubts and fears which at times can be exhausting. Many situations at home and work fill our hearts and minds with uncertainty and doubt. And for some even the basic essentials of life like their next meal is questionable. I would venture to say that those facing severe trials in the Middle East, West and South Africa in wars, conflicts, disease and persecution have been utterly devastated. Their lives in turmoil from broken families, family members taken in death or capture and homes destroyed. But what do we do? Where do we turn? Who do we go to? Do you think that there is someone that cares, that is listening and is watching over you at all times and has your best interests in mind? Let me assure you there is. He’s on duty 24/7 and loves you with an unfailing, faithful and endless love. His name is Jesus Christ. So what do we do next?
“Pray without ceasing.” -1 Thess 5:17 (KJV)
As a Christian we are to pray to our Father which is in heaven. We are to pray to Him directly with no intercessor needed. We are to seek Him and talk to Him as we would our best friend. But … how many of us actually do this? How many of us will make the time and get alone (no TV, friends or family around) with Jesus and pour out our hearts to Him?
“But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.” -Matt 6:8 (KJV)
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ gave us an example, a pattern or model in how and what we should pray. This is found in the Lord’s Prayer – scripture above – Matt 6:9-13. Here is how we should pray according to His prayer. A structure if you will. BTW, Almighty God knows what we need before any word is formed on our lips but we must take the time and ask Him anyways. Remember, we need Him and He wants us to pray to Him asking even for the little things that fill our lives at times.
Praise and Worship
How often do you first praise Him for who He is and what He has done for you? Or when you do pray do you start asking for things first thing out of the gate? That’s it, prayer ended – takes all but 2 minutes? Or do you spend a few moments worshiping Him and expressing your love for Him. How about offering up thanksgiving in what He has and is doing for you. And then…
Supplication
We are to pray are for our own needs, wants and desires – our supplications. Items like our daily essentials. And then for friends and family. And then …
Forgiveness
We are to seek His face in the forgiveness of our sins – 1 John 1:9. This one is a biggie friends. For without sincerely asking Him to forgive our iniquities and sins and without our return reply in actual repentance our prayers are just empty words. And finally, we are to …
Deliver Us From Evil
Pray with urgency that He will deliver us from the evil and wickedness that surrounds us daily. Evil men and women; those who want to harm us or tear us down in untruth or injustice. Pray that the enemy of our soul has no place in us and has no hold on us. But friends, we too must do something. We must keep on the right road, the straight and narrow path, living out a holy life before Him. We cannot pray and expect deliverance from evil if we continue to live in this [wicked] world following after the things of the flesh, lust or constant pleasure.
Lastly, we must keep on the radar screen of our lives He is returning, His Kingdom is coming. He is coming in fearsome power, in great glory, in awesome might and tremendous strength. He is coming to do battle with those that do not know Him and bring those that do know and revere Him to live with Him forever. Friends, what camp do you reside in today? Are you one of God’s light-bearers living an upright life before Him, telling others about His sacrifice on the cross, His free gift of salvation and His reward of eternal life? Or do you reside in the camp of darkness, of wickedness and evil, spending time on worthless things that do nothing for the Kingdom of God? In other words, you do nothing for the Kingdom of God. There are only these two – light, with Jesus or darkness, with the Devil – and we belong to one or the other. Sobering words, yes I know and with utmost haste consider these words carefully today.
“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. ” -1 John 5:14-15(KJV)
-BPWatcher, Internet Preacher and Bible Prophecy Watchman
