Lessons In Prayer From The Stable Of Jesus

Prayer is the single, most powerful and extraordinary channel to communicate with God. In prayer, we tell God about our needs. Burdens are lifted when we pray. Confidence is built when we pray. Answers to prayer encourage us to march forward in the Christian race.
What really is the essence and purpose of prayer? What should be our attitude when we pray? What are the misconceptions people have about praye?. How can we effectively apply this awesome tool to achieve maximum results knowing that the effective, fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much? Do we need candles, animal sacrifices and other objects to propel our prayers to heaven? What should be the content of our prayer? Answers to these questions shall be found in the timeless exposition and lessons in prayer authored by the man who prayed effectively for maximum results. His name is Jesus. Let’s learn from His teaching on prayer now:

‘And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men, verily I say unto you, they have their reward’.
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into they closet, and when thou hast shut they door, pray to thy father which is in secret; and thy father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly’.
Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him’.
After this manner therefore pray ye: our father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. They will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us 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 6:5-13)

The Purpose Of Prayer

Prayer is not a visa to show off. It is not to exhibit our talents and priviledges. Those who grandstand in the public about their ability to pray are hypocrites. They hardly have time for private fellowship with God. They are empty and shallow. Christ condemned that kind of attitude in prayer. Public display of act of prayer without a sound private prayer life only expose our pride.
The purpose of prayer is to communicate with God personally in our private closet. It is their our faith is built. It is in the secret place we receive inspiration to overcome in this evil world. It is in the secret place deep things of the kingdom is revealed to us.
‘But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy father which is in secret:’ Your prayer should not be to Mary, it should not be to any living or death deity but to God in the name of Jesus.
Christ says ‘Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you’ (John 16:23)

The Practice Of Prayer

‘But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking’.
Vain repetitions is characteristic of selfish prayer. If you want to wield extraordinary influence in prayer, pray less about yourself and more for others. Intercessory prayer is the key to effective praying. Praise God generously when you pray. Pray for people that are unsaved. Pray for places still ruled by heathen practice. Pray for the power of God to reign where you are. Pray for politicians that they may rule with the fear of God. Pray to pull down the stronghold of Satan.
In short, praise God, pray for people, places, power, politicians and pulling down of strongholds. Your prayers will be effective and seamless.

When you pray this way, you will be fulfilling the Lord’s prayer. ‘After this manner therefore pray ye: our father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. They will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us 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’
In praise you Hallow the name of God. When you pray for people, you learn to forgive. By so doing, you are working for the manifestation of the will of God for the salvation of men. As you pull down strongholds, captives are released and deliverance from temptation is accomplished. Praying for people in authority-politicians acknowledges the power of God to rule in the kingdom of men.


The Predictability Of Prayer

‘Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of , before ye ask him’.
We know that our prayer will yield desired results even before we actually pray. This is confidence. This is faith. God knows what we want from him even before we ask. ‘And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments’. (1John 3:22)
What are you to do from now on? Use the power of this knowledge freely given to you by the Lord to make the divine power of God work for you. Shallom.