Vital Praying

The Bible tells us to “pray and not faint” (not give up) Luke 18:1, to continue “instant in prayer” Romans 12:12. In 1611 (KJV) the word “instant” had more the meaning of “insistent” or to faithfully persevere in prayer . The Bible says to “continue in prayer ” (always maintain the habit) Col. 4:2, to “pray without ceasing”1 Thess. 5:17, and “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” Eph. 6:18.

In the spiritual battlefield we certainly need others to be doing spiritual warfare for us. The word supplication implies not only praying for one another, but praying specifically for specific needs. And we are to be continually “watching” for each other’s needs. To quote modern folklore, we are to “have one another’s backs.” For our prayers to be effective we must pray “in the Spirit,” or in the sphere of the Holy Spirit. Prayer is one of the most vital issues facing Christians today.

Not every prayer is this world is inspired by the Holy Spirit. It is possible to ask “amiss” James 4:3, or to ask for the wrong reasons. Sometimes, we should be thankful for unanswered prayer. It may be a sign of God’s love and grace toward us. One of the most frightful verses in the Bible is this: “And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul” Psalm 106:15. This is what happens when God’s people persist in asking for what God has clearly shown to be out of His will, and God finally gives in, to their sorrow. “OK, have it your way, but you are not going to like it.”

Some lessons we need to learn, therefore, are:

1. Praying for what does not please God. This is praying that perverts the name and nature of God. God is not blessed nor honored by praying that is only to satisfy our selfish will. That is trying to manipulate Holy God.

2. Public praying that shows contempt for God’s glory and encourages others to do so. Praying that seems to say that God owes us something. He has already done more for us than we could ever repay. We have received His grace, and we should be grateful and exalt Him and His glory. It is about Him, not what we selfishly want.

3. Praying that does not get God’s attention. It is praying to impress others. Jesus warns that when we get the praise of others, that is all we get. We get nothing from God.

4. Praying that ignores personal sin. “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me” (Psalm 66:18). What we call unanswered prayers, may be ignored prayers.

In other words, we should mean what we pray, desire God’s will in it and seek to bring glory to Him. Disregarding what others think, worship God and bring glory only to Him. Let Him be impressed with our obedience. That is true worship, when coupled with Thanksgiving.