There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!”… “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. (Acts 10:1-4)
Whenever we pray, an instant communication channel is created between us and our creator, whereby we are able to experience our relationship with Him. During prayers we are able to talk to God, hear from Him and enjoy His presence with us. The early church ‘… devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.’ (Acts 2:42-43) We need to maintain our link with God through prayers so that we can receive power to navigate this world and fulfil the purpose for which God has created us.
Prayers can be potent and may also not ascend beyond the roof from where they are said. The effectiveness of our prayers does not come from how eloquent we were in offering them and also do not come from the many words we say or repeat nor from our communication skills. For our prayers to ascend to God and bring forth our desires, we have to align our desires with God’s will for “…if we ask anything according to His (God’s) will, He hears us” (1 John 5:14). James also points out that “…you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.” (James 4:2b-3) To receive, we must ask but what we ask for must be aligned to the will of God. But how do we know the will of God without following His revelation to mankind, which He has given through the Scriptures and the life of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Another factor that makes our prayers ascend to God and make an impact is when we trust God and are willing to wait for His timing. The disciples of Jesus Christ may have been amazed with the potency of His prayers that in Luke 11:1 they asked Him to teach them to pray as John taught his disciples, after He has just finished His prayers. He taught them the “Lord’s Prayer” but proceeded to reveal to them the importance of being persistent in asking (Luke 11:5-8). In the parable of the Persistent Widow, Jesus said in Luke 18:7-8 “And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” Faith in God brings about persistence in prayers, even when there seems not to be any answer in the horizon. Are you giving up already when you should still keep praying?
The ability to pray to God and receive answers in our lives is truly one of the greatest blessings we can have as children of God.
Cornelius, though not a Jew, was committed, feared God and prayed regularly and his prayers went up “for a memorial before God” (Acts 10:1-4). As we continue our journey in this world, let us show commitment to the things of God and enhance our prayer lives. Let us seek God’s will for our lives and it shall be well with us and our prayers will ascend to His throne
Have a blessed week as we access the throne of grace through our prayers. God bless you all.
Your brother and friend
‘Seyi Pirisola