“I don’t know how to pray.”
“I don’t want to pray in front of others.”
“What am I supposed to pray about?”
“How often should I pray?”
These are comments and questions we’re bombarded with as pastors. Do they mirror your thoughts or questions?
Prayer is an integral part of a Christian’s life, yet fear, a lack of understanding, or feeling God didn’t answer a prayer from the past, prevents Christians from participating in this practice, and lifestyle.
What is Prayer?
In my 15 years plus, of teaching children’s Church and Sunday School, I explained prayer as talking to God. Yes, that is the simplest definition. I also instructed they could pray anytime, anywhere, anyhow.
The dictionary defines it as an act of communicating to a deity, especially as a petition, or an adoration . . . a reverent petition to a deity. Of course, we’re talking about praying to the One, True Living God. This also involves listening, as well.
Causes of Fear?
People fear the unknown. Many are taught to pray dutifully who don’t yet have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In this case, it’s much like talking to a stranger about very personal things. Talk about nerve-racking.
The largest reason for fear, in my opinion, is we are out of our comfort zones. many Christians aren’t raised by Christian parents, and if they are, not by prayer warriors. A prayer lifted at meal times or at bedtime might be the best examples. But, the practice of talking to God at school when being bullied, or from the heart when grandma is sick can’t always be demonstrated. Examples of praying as a reaction to skinned knees, tummy aches, to prevent bad dreams, being scared, in need, and much more is becoming less and less.
Does God Answer Prayer?
Always. God always answers the prayers of His children. Once again, kids seem to understand God says, “Yes, no, or go slow.” The latter meaning to wait.
Why Do We Miss Answers to Our Prayers?
First of all, many Americans don’t like being told NO for anything. Secondly, some Christians don’t recognize the answer when it is spelled out for them. A few prefer to not believe it was answered at all. This provides an excuse not to serve God, cut Him down, and gain sympathy from friends.
Far too often, the mind prays with a preconceived expectation of what the answer will be. This thinking automatically places our trust in the answer, over trusting God for what’s best. When the expected answer doesn’t arrive, God is blamed for not answering someone’s prayer.
An example could be when praying for a financial miracle, God sends a job, or overtime, yet it’s not recognized as an answer. A supernatural gift in the mail was expected instead. The focus was on the miracle, rather than on God truly meeting the financial need. Hmmmm. Kind of reminds me of a time in history where Jews were looking for an earthly king. Many missed that too.
We Tend to Forget:
God is able to meet the same need a million different ways. Don’t put Him in a box as to how your prayers should be answered. Place your trust in Him to answer what He deems is best for you and those around you.
NEWSFLASH: We’re not smarter than God, and He might just be teaching you something for His plan.
I love the acronym my husband created for a sermon series on prayer.
P – Pursuing
R – Righteous
A – Answers
Y – Yielding
E – Every
R – Response
In summary, we must pursue, or actively go after, a righteous, or Godly answer. In doing so, we must also be willing to yield, meaning surrender our will, and trust for every response. Is it possible God is answering your prayers, but not in the way you expected? Is it possible your prayer wasn’t earnest, hiding an ulterior impure motive instead? Could it be you aren’t familiar with the Biblical truth God is sovereign?
QUESTION: Has prayer been hard or easy for you? Please share why it was or wasn’t with us in the comments below.
THANKS for SHARING this with your friends and family!!
© 2022, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.
Years ago, maybe 30 years ago, I was very uncomfortable with the idea of prayer. I have come along way. I don’t pray often enough. I do best if I can just talk to God as I go about my day.
JoAnne, thanks for sharing. What you are doing is what I refer to as praying without ceasing. Excellent. God looks at the heart.
Great thoughts! I have been studying prayer for several months. For me praying is the easy part, waiting for the answer is the hard part. I get too busy with the craziness of life to sometimes hear God’s reply. He speaks to us in so many ways; through His Word, through other people, through circumstances….. He is talking and I am working on my hearing. Thanks for sharing your great tips Jena!