“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” (I John 5:14)
Prayer has been a great blessing to mankind. It is an essential part of Christian life which helps us to grow in our relationship with God. In fact, the lyrics of the old favourite hymns “What a friend we have in Jesus” sums up the benefits of prayer. Prayer sustains us; it keeps us going and gives us strength. It has been said that, “Seven days without prayer, makes one weak.” Prayer shows our dependence on God, His power and His wisdom. This is why it is sad to hear people say, “We have done all we can. The only thing we can do now is pray.” Prayer really should be our first resort rather than our last resort.
One major issue of concern about prayer is its outcome. Many people have continued to ask questions such as, “Is prayer really powerful?” or “Does God answer prayers?” The reason for this is that many have been praying, but feel or think they have not got results or answers to them. When we question the power of prayer, we lose it. The devil is trying to rob us of hope by making it appear that prayer is no longer effective. The above text confirms we have a God who answers prayers. But, there is something we must always look out for, “The Will of God”. With the will of God as our main focus, we receive confidence and assurance that He hears us. The writer of the Letter to the Hebrews confirms this too. “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise” (Hebrews 10: 36). It is not getting the promise or result before the will of God, the will of God comes first. When God’s will is our priority, we can move moutains with our prayers. Only those who are close to God enough can know His will.
Through careful study of the scriptures, we know His will. There are examples of those who called on God according to His will and were not put to shame. Nehemiah discovered it was God’s will to rebuild the broken wall of Jerusalem. He prayed to God, and it was settled. Chapter 12 of Acts of Apostles reveals the power of prayer. Peter’s arrest was the most discouraging to the church at the time. Especially considering the fact that James, who was earlier arrested, got killed. But prayer was made without ceasing unto God for him. The outcome was an unusual rescue and re-union. We are also told that many who were in need of children such as Hannah and Elizabeth, cried unto God for this gift and were never put to shame. In fact, there are examples of great outcomes of prayers when man calls on God to intervene in all areas of life (healing and deliverance inclusive).
Beloved, prayer has subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouth of lions, quenched the violence of fire and turned to flight the armies of the aliens (Hebrews 11: 33, 34). Is there anything holding us back from unceasing prayers? Don’t give up! Don’t be discouraged. Prayer works. Prayer brings down power. Let us not be discouraged when the outcome is not yet visible. God expects us to rejoice in His promises and feast on hope, while we wait for the fulfilment. God is on our side. Let us not listen to the lies of the devil but focus on the will of the Father. And all will be well with us.
Have a prayerful week and may God grant you the desires of your heart that are in consonance with His will for you.
Your brother, Vicar & Archdeacon
Igein Isemede