Prayer is as simple as a conversation with God. It is a privilege we possess and too often neglected. Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matt. 7:7 NKJV).
Though I do not want you to overthink praying, there are a few emotional mistakes that are not theologically correct. Let’s explore a few.
Bargaining with God. I have heard people describing their prayer for help. They promised God if He would answer their prayer, then they would do such-and-such. We do not have to bargain with God. He is gracious and loving to help us with our needs without us trying to sweeten the deal. As a matter of fact, we don’t have anything to bargain with.
Praying as if God is limited. There are people who will pray for others but not themselves as if God cannot do both. It may be humility or self-loathing, but it is not correct. I can pray for your healing and mine also. God’s power is not limited to one miracle per prayer.
Asking for too little. I need to remind you of Ephesians 3:20, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” This scripture reveals that God usually does more than we even know to ask or think. So yes, we often ask for too little. If we only knew how big and powerful God is, then perhaps our prayers would be bolder and bigger. Our prayers never stretch God’s imagination. His answers usually blow our little pea brains out of their shells. I had rather be guilty of asking God for too much than guilty of asking for too little!
Thinking the answer is based on us and not God. Some people think God will not answer their prayer because they are not holy enough. Can you tell me where on the holy scale, your holiness is enough? When you asked Jesus to save you from your sins and hell, how holy were you before you started praying? God answers our prayers from His resources and goodness not ours! It is by His grace and mercy and from the depth of His resources. Blessings always flow from the Great to the lowly.
Not asking in faith. Why do we approach God in prayer like dropping pennies in a wishing well? There are scriptures after scriptures with the words of Jesus printed in red telling us to only believe. Here is one, “Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them” (Mark 11:24).
Pray often. Have a schedule of praying. Pray continually. Pray in faith. Never give up on God by not praying. Pray the scriptures, so you will pray in faith. Pray with God on your mind, not yourself. Pray in the Spirit. Believe and Pray!
Yours on the Journey,
Harry L. Whitt
Pathway Journey 