Today’s Readings:
1Kings 21:1-16; Psalm 5:2-3,5-7; Matthew 5:38-42
Prayer is powerful if you understand it's principles. Prayer, is first and foremost, speaking with God and asking for good things from Him. And God wants to give you what you need if you ask the right way. In order to pray the right way and grow in your relationship with God, you need to bear the following tips in mind:
SPEAK HONESTLY: Prayer should feel natural to you, just like the air you breathe. Say what is on your mind in all honestly because God listens, and He can handle whatever you throw at Him.
RECOGNISE HIS GREATNESS: God is at once a close friend and your Lord. Acknowledge Him on both grounds. He wants you to speak intimately and respectfully.
The Psalmist shows us how: “To my words give ear, O Lord, give heed to my groaning. Attend to the sound of my cries, my King and my God” (Psalm 5:2).
Some ways to outwardly acknowledge God’s greatness are by kneeling when you pray, raising or folding your hands, closing your eyes or sitting still. These prayer postures dispose you better for divine encounter.
FLEE FROM SIN: Your prayer will not rise beyond your ceiling if you remain in a state of mortal sin. The Psalmist is clear on this: “You hate all who do evil: you destroy all who lie. The deceitful and bloodthirsty person the Lord detests” (Psalm 5:7). Before you conclude that God is deaf to your prayers, examine your conscience and memory for sins that you have not confessed. You may be responsible for your situation.
RID YOUR HEART OF MALICE: Another reason our prayers seem to fall on deaf ears is that we do not wish others well. Do not envy those who seem to be enjoying some good fortune, just like King Ahab did to Naboth. Rather, pray for what is yours. God alone can give a blessing that makes you rich and adds no sorrow (Proverbs 10:22).
SEEK CLARITY: We come to God fully convinced that we know what to pray for. Even our best thoughts and intentions can be mistaking. I have learnt to submit my mind to God and pray for clarity and understanding.
Remember, “There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12). So, how then should you pray?
Pray this way: “Your word is a lamp for my steps and a light for my path”. Lord, enlighten me and show me what I must do.
FACE REALITY: Prayer is not a magic spell. As you ask God for divine assistance, back it up with effort. If you are praying for money, go out and work. If you are praying for a spouse, meet people and start conversations. If you have a project, reach out to persons who can help. If you want good leaders, join the electoral process. Grace builds on nature (personal effort).
GENEROSITY OPENS DOORS: I cannot emphasize this enough: Be generous with your time, talent and treasures. Assist those in need in any little way you can. If your hands are open to give, they will be just as open to receive God’s blessings. Don’t sit around all day, lost in wishful thinking. Be helpful to others and you will find others running to your assistance when you need it.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
Prayer:
My Father, hear me when I call to You, in Jesus name.
Lord, in my day of trouble, deliver me from evil, in Jesus name.
Lord, in my time of need, fill me to overflowing with Your manifold blessings and gifts, in Jesus name. Amen.
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