MISCELLANEOUS THOUGHTS ON PRAYER
Introduction/Recap: In the last episode we discussed the motive and prayer, considering the intentions behind our asking in the place of prayer.
When I come to God in prayer, He always looks to what the aim/motive of my petition is. If it be merely for my own comfort or joy I seek His grace, I do not receive.
You ask and do not receive, because you ask with the wrong motives, so that you may spend what you request on your pleasures. [Jam4:3 NASB]
God wants our comfort, but beyond our comfort, he is more committed to our growth.
- Link God’s need with yours: One of the best way is to get from God is to link our needs with his. Hannah wanted a child, God wanted a Prophet.
- Prayer is not to be selfish. He would have them understand that prayer is not to be selfish; so here it is the power through which blessing can come to others. But if I can say that it is that He may be glorified in my dispensing His blessings to others, I shall not ask in vain.
Study Hebrews 11:13
If the unfriendliness of a selfish earthly friend can be conquered by importunity, how much more will it avail with the heavenly Friend, who does so love to give, but is held back by our spiritual unfitness, our incapacity to possess what He has to give.
- Prayer is no form or show: Rather, it’s the outpouring of my soul to God.
- Prayer must be definite. See Luke 18:35-41.
Our prayers must not be a vague appeal to His mercy, an indefinite cry for blessing, but the distinct expression of definite need.
Such definite prayer teaches us to know our own needs better. It demands time, and thought, and self-scrutiny to find out what really is our greatest need.
It searches us and puts us to the test as to whether our desires are honest and real, such as we are ready to persevere in. It leads us to judge whether our desires are according to God’s Word, and whether we really believe that we shall receive the things we ask. It helps us to wait for the special answer, and to mark it when it comes.
