“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer,” – I Peter 3:12

Notes:

The basic biblical definition of prayer is simply communication with God.  However, we often think of prayer in terms of only us speaking and God listening.  Communication is however composed of both speaking and listening.  When we are told to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17-18), often times we think of it in terms of constantly speaking to the Lord, but in reality it involves also the unceasing act of listening to His voice.  This process is described in Isaiah.

 “He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.” – Isaiah 50:4

 Jesus taught us a basic way of praying in Matthew 6:9-12.  In addition, when we do not know what to pray for, the Holy Spirit can intercede for us, if we allow Him to.  The great beauty of prayer is that we as Christians have access through Christ unto the Creator of the entire universe, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  His business doesn’t close on Sunday’s!  Yet, so often, we neglect this wonderful privilege that God has given to us.   One of the aspects of the ministry of Christ is intercession, for He lives to make intercession for the saints.  It is therefore necessary, if we want to be more like Christ, to adopt this process into our own lives and make intercession for others as well. In fact, if we cease praying for others, it can become a sin to us:

 “Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you; but I will instruct you in the good and right way. – 1 Samuel 12:23  

I have heard it said that God answers all prayers; His answers are either yes, no, or not right now.  However, scripturally, this is not true.   The majority of answered prayer comes with a cost, and that cost is obedience to the will of God and holiness. This is why Jesus said if we abide in Him and love one another, we shall ask whatever we will and it shall be done.   And again, James and Peter both tell us that God’s ears are attentive unto the prayers of the righteous, and that they avail much. 

Willing to Take the Challenge?

I have seen that when most people are in desperation, and they simply feel like they cannot go any further in life, they are simply just one sincere prayer away from a breakthrough.  We must understand that God is not far from any of us, and He is able to make all grace abound to us through Christ Jesus.   There is great power in spending daily time with God alone in prayer, and meditation upon His Word.

Blessings,

Wes Anderson

Higher Ground Men’s Ministry