Posted by 90 Days of Prayer Day Sixty-Four
James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
Numerous books have been written about prayer; Sunday sermons, midweek bible studies, seminars and conferences as well, all about how to get answers to prayer. Centuries before James penned this letter, David wrote “You who answer prayer, to you all people will come” (Psalm 65:2). I’d say he already knew God answered prayer.
Prayer is designed to get an answer. That’s why you can be confident that your prayers will change things. Jesus promised you will receive what you ask for, every time you pray (Matthew 7:7-11). Why else would David say “to you all people will come?”
Prayer is a Relationship
Jesus made prayer a family affair. Haven’t you noticed whenever He taught about prayer He referred to God as Father? Better than any earthly father, your Heavenly Father gives good gifts to His children. When it’s needed, you get exactly what you ask for – every time. Prayer isn’t a business transaction, it’s a conversation between family members.
All through the Scriptures people related to God as their Father. Israel was referred to as “the children of Israel.” Pharaoh was told God said “let My people go.” It was understood that God’s people were His children. Going to God with their needs, and receiving what they asked for, was for them, a natural part of life.
God’s Place is an Enjoyable Place
God has always invited foreigners to His house to join in on the conversations. He invites them to worship Him, to get to know Him and love Him. Isaiah prophesied; “these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations” (Isaiah 56:7).
David again writes about this family affair with prayer and worship saying; “All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him” (Psalm 22:27). God’s place is a place of prayer for all nations, and He said all people will find joy when praying there!
Your Place is also God’s Place
You’ve heard it said “home is where the heart is.” You can pour out your heart to God at home – He’s listening. “When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:6).
That’s the joy that you, one of God’s sons and daughters have, when you’re talking with Him – You’ll receive what you need when you ask. You’ve been made the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21), you’re family. Your honest heartfelt prayers to your Father are powerful and effective. Because you receive answers, you receive joy, your confidence grows, and you’ll always Be Encouraged! -JSP
You must log in to post a comment.