As we continue exploring why some answers to prayer seem delayed, we turn our attention to the principles, posture, and purpose of prayer. The Apostle Paul instructs us to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication“ (Ephesians 6:18), while 1 Thessalonians 5:17 exhorts us to “pray without ceasing,” even when we do not immediately see the manifestation of what we are trusting God for. The Lord Jesus illustrated this in the parable of the persistent widow, which He told to teach that “men always ought to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). This story is not a comparison between God and the unjust judge, but a contrast. The lesson being that if an unjust judge eventually responded to a widow who persistently appealed to him (vs.2-5), how much more will our loving Father respond to us who belong to Him (vs.7)? This is not to say God answers us for repeatedly saying the same thing, no! Scripture assures us that God hears us when we pray and He responds speedily (vs.8). So then, saints, our perseverance in prayer is not about persuading God, but rather strengthening our convictions in His promises and keeping our hearts anchored in faith while awaiting the manifestation.
Having established that we ought to always pray, it is crucial to understand the principles governing prayer, so that our approach is scripturally aligned. The disciples themselves asked, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1). In Matthew 6, Jesus first teaches them what prayer is not. He teaches, “when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by man” (vs.5a). This does not mean public prayer is wrong; rather, God is concerned with the motive of our hearts. Prayer is not about gaining recognition from others, for then all we have is a fleeting earthly reward (vs.5b). Instead, we pray to our Father in secret (vs.6a), where our focus is on fellowship with Him. Jesus also warns against “vain repetitions,” because we are not heard for our many words (vs.7). Our Father already knows what we need before we ask Him (v.8). So, then, prayer is more than simply presenting a list of requests; it’s how we commune with God. It flows from a genuine relationship and is inspired by the Holy Spirit, much like the richness and diversity of David’s prayers throughout the Psalms. That time spent with God in secret produces fruit that eventually becomes evident in our lives, because “our Father who sees in secret will reward us openly” (Matthew 6:6b).
The Lord Jesus then gives us a model for how we should pray – not words to repeat mechanically or as empty repetition, but as a pattern for our communication with God. This is why He introduces the prayer by saying, “In this manner, therefore, pray” (vs.9a). He begins, “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name” (vs.9b), teaching us to approach God with reverence and exaltation. As the psalmist declares, “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name” (Psalm 100:4). When we magnify God, we become more conscious of His greatness, and thus place our circumstances in their proper perspective. The problem may still be present, but it is no longer greater in our minds than the God who is able to intervene. Jesus then teaches us to prioritise His Kingdom and His will (Matthew 6:10). As Kingdom ambassadors, our greatest concern should be the advancement of the Gospel, for it is God’s will and desire for all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 3:4). Only after establishing this Kingdom priority does Jesus teach us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread” (vs.11). We must trust and depend on God as our source, knowing that when we “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness … all these things shall be added to us” (vs.33). We must also maintain right relationships by forgiving others as we desire to be forgiven (vs.12), and remain watchful against temptation and evil (v.13). Jesus then closes with praise, saying, “For Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen” (vs.13). Prayer therefore begins and ends with God.
So, church, now armed with knowledge of the principles governing prayer, let us continue therein and not lose heart. Not because God needs to be convinced, but because prayer keeps us in fellowship with Him and allows us to participate in what He is doing. Let us remain steadfast, for He who promised is faithful. Hallelujah!
Prayer
Father, thank You that You hear us when we pray. Teach us to approach You with faith and humility, seeking Your Kingdom and Your will above all else. Help us to depend on You daily and persevere in prayer, even when the manifestation takes time. May our prayer lives draw us deeper into fellowship with You and keep us aligned with Your purposes. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
