True Prayer

14 This is the confidence (boldness) we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will (that pleases Him), He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us--whatever we ask (request)--we know that we have what we asked of Him.

1 John 5:14-15 (NIV).

When we pray to God, our primary goal should be asking according to God’s will. The only way to please God is seeking, asking, and living according His will. If our prayers line up according to God’s will, God will listen! In essence, all of the conditions related to prayer are summed up in this phrase—”according to His will.” With this understanding, “according to His will” means according to what pleases God as found in the Holy Scriptures (John 15:7). This means that God’s answer may be “no” or different than planned (Luke 22:42; 2 Corinthians 12:8-9). If you do not know God’s will, ask God (James 1:5)!

True prayer is not demanding, persuading, forcing, nor manipulating God (Matthew 6:5-6); but rather submitting our will and way into complete agreement with God (1 John 5:14). Even more, true prayer means (1) praying in Jesus’ Name, that is, in accord with Jesus' character and nature (John 14:13-14; John 15:16; John 16:23-24), (2) abiding in Jesus and His words abiding or remaining in us (John 15:7), (3) having faith (Matthew 21:22; James 1:6), (4) being righteous in life and fervent in prayer (1 John 3:21-22; James 5:16), and (5) praying persistently until God’s will is accomplished. That is true prayer! So, believers in Jesus Christ can stand firmly and confidently in faith that God hears us believing whatever we pray for is already ours (1 John 5:15). 

God Centered and Spirit Controlled Prayer

26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.

Romans 8:26-27 (NLT)

God sends His Holy Spirit to provide supernatural help and care for His people. The Holy Spirit lives inside a person’s heart with faith in Jesus Christ (John 14 ─ 16). God’s Holy Spirit helps with our weaknesses, imperfections, limitations and problems (see e.g., Galatians 5:16-23).  Even more, the Holy Spirit helps God’s people with prayer.

The Holy Spirit prays a person’s innermost feelings, which cannot be put into words, and God answers. When we do not know how to pray or what to pray for, the Holy Spirit intercedes (intervenes, pleads, and negotiates) for us before God. In essence, God’s Holy Spirit does our praying in, with and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans and meaningless utters of sounds. This “groanings” are believers’ deep feelings that cannot be expressed in words. God sees what is in a believers’ hearts and knows what the Holy Spirit is saying. The Holy Spirit prays for believers "in accordance” and in harmony with God's will and purposes in order to do what is best for them (Romans 8:27).

Often, believers face difficulties so impossible that they do not know how to even approach God with their problems. In fact, every believer of Jesus Christ encounters difficulty in knowing how to pray and for what to pray. They know that they must pray to God, but they may not know what to say. Even when believers do not know what to say to God, the Holy Spirit interprets our innermost thoughts and feelings. As stated earlier, the Holy Spirit “makes intercession” for believers with words, “unspoken sighing,” meaningless sounds or groaning which cannot be uttered. Sometimes, the believer may not be speaking at all. Those incoherent or speechless sounds are heard by God. The Holy Spirit guides believers and articulates those prayer burdens to God. These groanings or meaningless sounds are the Holy Spirit’s, not ours because the Holy Spirit is interceding for believers before God.

The Holy Spirit understands that God, who both omniscient and omnipotent, is causing everything, even painful experiences, to work for good to those who love the Lord (Romans 8:28). God searches believers’ hearts and knows our thoughts (cf. I Chronicles 28:9; Psalm 139:1, 23; Jeremiah 17:10; I Corinthians 4:5; Hebrews 4:12–13). As the omniscient God, He searches those mumbling groaning of our hearts and His Holy Spirit makes intercession for us. The Holy Spirit takes part with us and makes our sighs, groans, loud “cries and tears” (Hebrews 5:7), and other expressions of our hearts and spirits in prayer and make those prayers strong and effective. Those groans are taken by the Holy Spirit and made into effectual intercession before the very presence of God.

Amazingly, both Jesus Christ (who lives at the right hand of God the Father), (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 4:14; Hebrew 7:24-25) and the Holy Spirit (who lives within believers of Jesus Christ) make intercession for believers before God. Thank you God for all Your help!

Pleasing God

11 This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another.… 14 If we love our Christian brothers and sisters, it proves that we have passed from death to life. But a person who has no love is still dead. 15 Anyone who hates another brother or sister is really a murderer at heart. And you know that murderers don’t have eternal life within them. 16 We know what real love is because Jesus gave up His life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? 18 Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. 19 Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. 20 Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and He knows everything. 21 Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence. 22 And we will receive from Him whatever we ask because we obey Him and do the things that please Him. 23 And this is His commandment: We must believe in the Name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us. 24 Those who obey God’s commandments remain in fellowship with Him, and He with them. And we know He lives in us because the Spirit He gave us lives in us. 1 John 3:11, 14-24 (NLT).

The Christian faith is a religion of the heart (Matthew 5:21-22; 27-20; James 4:1-3). Outward obedience to God alone is not enough without first an inner heart submission and obedience to Him as God (Matthew 6:24; Matthew 10:37). God not only sees our actions, but also the inner motives and intentions behind them.

The primary commandments of Jesus Christ are genuine love for God and love for others (Matthew 5:43-48; Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:31; John 13:34-35; John 15:13). Real love produces selfless and sacrificial living. Putting others' desires first, generosity with our money, possessions, and time and helping those in need are examples of genuine Christian love (James 2:14-17). Also, the apostle John gave Jesus Christ’s life as an example of true love for Christians to follow. According to the apostle John, if we are living like Jesus Christ, we will “love one another” even with our own lives. Loving others like Jesus Christ is primary evidence of real faith in Him as our Lord and Savior (see 1 John 4:7-8). Jesus promises to send His Holy Spirit to help believers live their daily lives like Him (John 14 – 16; Galatians 5:22-23). The Holy Spirit comes to all sincere followers of Jesus Christ to motivate obedient discipleship.

One of the great results of loving God and others is an effective prayer life. Love is an important part of a successful prayer life. With genuine love in our hearts, we can come to God in prayer with a clear conscience and confidence that whatever we ask for will be given to us (Matthew 7:7; see also Matthew 21:22; John 9:31; John 15:7). Love fulfills God’s commandment (Matthew 22:40) and pleases Him because God is love (1 John 4:8, 16). Even more, love lines up or matches our prayers with God’s will and purposes (John 15:7). With real love, our prayers become powerful, effective, and answered (James 5:16; 1 John 5:15).

Continual Prayer

10 But when Daniel learned that the law (decree) had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God. 11 Then the officials went together to Daniel’s house and found him praying and asking for God’s help.

Daniel 6:10-11 (NLT).

Daniel grew up during King Josiah’s spiritual reforms of Israel’s southern kingdom of Judah (2 Kings 22 and 23). After King Josiah’s death, Judah returned to committing sin and evil before God. Eventually, Judah was invaded by King Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylonian army and many of Judah’s wisest men and most beautiful women were taken captive. Daniel was part of those captives along with his friends, Hananiah (called Shadrach), Mishael (called Meshach), and Azariah (Abednego). Daniel and his friends assumed important positions while in Babylon.

Daniel was a wonderful example of faith, wisdom, and courage. Even while in Babylon, Daniel established a reputation for wisdom, integrity, and absolute confidence in God. Daniel worked hard and faithfully served several pagan kings, including Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus (see also Colossians 3:22-25). Moreover, Daniel ate carefully and lived prayerfully. He ate simple yet healthy meals of fruits, vegetables, and water and indulged in persistent prayer to God (Daniel 1:8–17). Daniel’s main lifestyle choices was a decision to continually pray and give thanks to God ─ three times a day since his “early days” (Daniel 6:10). Daniel had a regular and disciplined prayer life that clung to God. Daniel did not hide his daily prayer routine from his enemies. He prayed because he could not look to the king or any other human for the guidance and strength. Only God could provide what he really needed. He even continued to pray to and trust God when that meant being thrown into a den of hungry lions (Daniel 6) and facing deadly threats from King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2). Daniel was persistent in his prayers to God and grateful when God answered his requests. When facing trouble, Daniel did not shrivel in fear. Instead, Daniel confidently believed in the living and all-powerful God to answer his prayers for help.

Even more, Daniel would gather his three friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and pray to God for His intervention (Daniel 2:17–18, see also Philippians 4:6). Daniel and his friends knew that God is all merciful (Daniel 2:18), answers prayer (Daniel 2:19–23), gives help and guidance (Daniel 6:10-11); provides wisdom (James 1:5); and reveals secrets (Daniel 2:28). These Jewish boys knew prayer is more powerful than panic when facing a challenge or struggle because prayer confirms your hope in God.

After God answered Daniel’s prayers, Daniel praised and thanked God for giving him wisdom and knowledge (e.g., Daniel 2:20-23). Daniel also gave God credit and praise as all wise and powerful. So like Daniel, we must continually seek and desire God’s face each day. All the more, we must pray regularly as prayer is our lifeline to God. God is the Ruler of the world and we all need to be completely faithful to Him.

Come To God!

12 For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a Discerner of the thoughts and intents (desires, attitudes) of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. 14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest (Jesus Christ) who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace (with confidence), that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:12-16 (NKJV).

Prayer is our approach to God, and we can come to God “with confidence” because of Jesus. Some people approach God afraid to ask Him to meet their needs. Others pray jokily, giving little thought to what they say. The Holy Bible teaches we are all to come to God with humble reverence and respect because God is the eternal King. But also we are to come to God with confidence and assurance because He is our Provider, Refuge and true Friend. Even more, we can come to God because of His Son, Jesus. When we trust our own efforts to provide our needs without God’s power, we are in danger of defeat. Our own efforts and works are never adequate.  Only with God’s power and strength are our efforts acceptable and victorious. Only through faith and trust in God will we find our rest, heart peace and victory. 

The Word of God is alive, life-changing, powerful, active and true. God's Word enters into the core of our human heart and spiritual life and discovers our innermost thoughts, motives, intent, and desires, both good and evil. Nothing can be hidden from God. The Word of God speaks to our hearts and souls giving life-giving communication and direction. God knows about everyone, everywhere and knows all our innermost thoughts. Even when we are unaware of His presence, God is there. No one or secret can hide from God (Psalm 139).

But, Jesus as our Great High Priest has gone to heaven itself to help us; therefore let us never stop trusting in Jesus. Jesus has ready access to God because He is seated in the very presence of God the Father. As both God and humanity's Representative, Jesus understands our weaknesses because He lived on earth as a human too.  Jesus pleads, makes intercessions and negotiations for humans before God (Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 13:20-21) for our needs. Jesus is always at God's right hand and He is always available to hear us when we pray to God the Father. So, humans can come boldly and confidently to God at any time, especially when we truly need help, because of Jesus, our great Intercessor.

Let us continually come before God. Jesus has opened the way for humans to enter God’s presence to obtain God’s mercy and grace for all our needs. Open your hearts to God and trust Him for your help! Do not harden your hearts by resisting God, but instead remain faithfully committed to God (Father, Son – Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit).
 

Extra Life

1 In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, "This is what the Lord says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover." 2 Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, 3 "Remember, O Lord, how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion (served You single-mindedly) and have done what is good in Your eyes (pleases God)." And Hezekiah wept bitterly. 4 Then the word of the Lord came to Isaiah: 5 "Go and tell Hezekiah, 'This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life. 6 And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city. Isaiah 38:1-6 (NIV), see parallel references at 2 Chronicles 32:24-31; 2 Kings 20:1-11.

King Hezekiah of southern Israel (also called Judah) became extremely ill to the point of death.  The Prophet Isaiah told Hezekiah of his coming death. When Hezekiah learned of this destiny, he immediately turned to God in prayer. Hezekiah knew that that prayer brought deliverance and forgiveness (see Isaiah 37:14–20). God answered Hezekiah’s prayer by allowing him to live another 15 years. Even more, Hezekiah experienced God’s double miracle of healing and deliverance. God had spared King Hezekiah’s life and Judah.

Over a 100-year period of Israel’s history (732-640 B.C.), King Hezekiah was the only faithful king. Because of his faithfulness to God, God healed Hezekiah and saved his city from foreigner attackers, the Assyrians. Hezekiah’s life reveals that genuine faith, humility, and prayer directed to God can change any situation. Never hesitate to ask God for help. When life’s pressures challenge you or when everything is going wrong, do give up but turn to God. God can always change the course of our lives too in response to our genuine and humble prayer for help. God does listen! So turn your heart to God, walk faithfully with and trust Him. As Hezekiah learned, life and good health are gifts from God that the Lord God can withdraw at any time. God has the power of life and death (James 5:15).

Finally, never be prideful or boastful, but honor and praise God for His goodness (see 2 Kings 20:12-19; Psalm 15). After Hezekiah’s healing and deliverance, Hezekiah offered a prayer of thanksgiving (Isaiah 38:10–20).

Trust In God Alone!

God provides richly with His many blessings. We can all completely trust God in all circumstances (Psalm 9:10; Psalm 33:21 13:5; Psalm 20:7; Psalm 21:7; Psalm 32:10; Psalm 33:21; Psalm 52:8; Psalm 143:8; Psalm 17:7; Psalm 36:7). Even during trials and other struggles, God can help us if we call on Him. Prayer releases our pressures in times of stress. Sincere faith and prayer directed toward God can change any situation. So pour out your hearts in honest prayer to God (Lamentations 2:19).

The Lord God rescues, cares for, and rewards people who trust in Him (Psalm 7:1; Psalm 16:1; Psalm 25:20; Psalm 26:1; Psalm 31:1-2, 4, 19; Psalm 34:22; Psalm 37:40; Psalm 86:2). Absolute strength is found in God alone and at all times. Psalm 62 teaches not to put our trust in people, status, or riches. Money, power, or prestige can never find you true relief. God is our Rock, Salvation, Defense, Glory and Refuge (Psalm 62:2, 7).  Importantly, God will work as we trust Him and let Him guide our way. So, reject foolishness, evil and sin, and pursue of God’s way of living (Psalm 31:19; Psalm 37:3, 5; Psalm 115:11). Only trusting God and working for Him brings true inner happiness (Psalm 62:12). 

1 I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from Him. 2 He alone is my Rock and my Salvation, my Fortress where I will never be shaken. … 5 Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him. 6 He alone is my Rock and my Salvation, my Fortress where I will not be shaken. 7 My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my Refuge, a Rock where no enemy can reach me. 8 O my people, trust in Him (God) at all times. Pour out your heart to Him, for God is our Refuge. Psalms 62:1-2, 5-8 (NLT).