Answers to Our Prayers

The practice of prayer is so profound that it required a second indepth exploration.

How many of you have actually “prayed on your knees” or “knelt in prayer?” We sing songs about it. We use it in our cliches. Have you actually done it? It’s a position of humility. Prayer is a PRIVATE conversation with you and God.

Most people use this time to ask for things?  Guess What?

GOD is not Santa Claus!  HE is so much bigger than this!

Oftentimes, we don’t like the answer we get.

 Sometimes it is:  Yes

 Sometimes it is:  No

 Sometimes it is:  Not Now.

Regardless, we have to thank HIM anyway and accept the answer.

If the answer is Yes…thankful for answered prayers.

If the answer is No…it may mean that it is not in your best interest or part of God’s Master Plan.

If the answer is Not Now…it may mean “be patient. I have something better in store for you.”

God is your “Most Trusted Confidante’.”

You don’t need to go on a Reality TV show or blast everything on Facebook. God already knows what your prayer is.

HE wants to see your sincerity, your raw honesty, and how “effective & fervent” you are…your persistence in “praying without ceasing.” HE wants to see your faith & patience to wait on Him.

“Prayer” is mentioned 184 times in the Bible. (NKJV)

http://www.biblegateway.com/keyword/?version=NKJV&search=prayer&searchtype=all&language1=en&spanbegin=1&spanend=73&resultspp=250

A few scriptures include:

Psalm 54:2 - Hear my prayer, O God; Give ear to the words of my mouth.

Matthew 21:22 - And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

Romans 12:12 - rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;

Philippians 4:6 - Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Colossians 4:2 - Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;

1 Peter 4:7 - But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.

Another question I pondered regarding the practice of praying: 

Why collective or group prayer?

James 5:16 (NKJV): “…The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (Imagine the power of more than one righteous man?)

2 Corinthians 9:14 - and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you.

1 Thessalonians 1:2 - We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers,

As we all strive to deepen and enhance our prayer life, always keep this poem in mind: 

Prayers Can’t Be Answered Unless They Are Prayed

 – Helen Steiner Rice

A life without purpose is barren indeed;

There can't be a harvest unless you plant seed.

There can't be attainment unless there's a goal;

A man's but a robot unless there's a soul.

If we send no ships out;

No ships will come in.

And unless there's a contest;

Nobody can win.

For games can't be won unless they are played,

and Prayers Can’t Be Answered Unless They Are Prayed!

So whatever is wrong with your life today,

You'll find a solution if you kneel down and pray.

Not just for pleasure, enjoyment and health,

Not just for honors, prestige and wealth.

But pray for a purpose to make life worth living,

And pray for the joy of unselfish giving.

For great is your gladness and rich is your reward,

When you make your life's purpose the choice of the Lord.