PRAYING WITH IMPACT

Ptr. Erwin Concepcion

October 09, 2019

 

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Jonah 1:1-3 (KJV)

 

"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him."

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Reflection:

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Since praying is such a common practice for believers, over time it's easy to fall into habits that result in a lifeless and empty prayer life. Instead of a dynamic conversation with thoughtful requests and active listening for God's response, our prayers can seem more like grocery lists. Because communication with the Lord is such a vital part of the Christian life, we occasionally need to step back and examine how we're doing.

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Begin by asking yourself these questions:

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How effective are my prayers?

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Is God answering my petitions, or does it seem as if they never go past the ceiling?

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Who am I praying for?

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re most of my requests for myself or others?

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What am I asking the Lord to do?

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When do I pray?

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Have I looked in the Word to see what He wants, or am I trying to get Him to intervene according to my plans and desires?

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Is it only during emergencies or when I need something?

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If you discovered any selfishness in your answers, you're not alone. Most of us struggle to enter God's presence with our eyes focused on Him instead of our needs. But the only way we'll be able to pray with impact is to fill our minds with Scripture so we can find out what the Lord wants to do.

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Your prayer life can become effective and dynamic if you'll approach the Lord with a clean heart. Psalms 66:18 (KJV) says “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” Align your requests with His will, and believe He will do what He says. Mark 11:24 (KJV) says “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Then you'll be able to pray with absolute confidence knowing that He will hear and answer your petitions.

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Prayer:

Lord, help me keep my heart clean when l approach you in prayer. I want to be truthful and sincere with my prayer to you. Keep my mind focused on you when meditating your Word so l can hear the voice of the Holy Spirit in my heart. I want to hear you so that l can obey you Lord. I pray to you, in Jesus Name, Amen.