Three Words for When You Pray

Jesus prayed, and He taught His disciples to pray. Prayer is at the center of our relationship with God. You can read one magnificent example of Jesus’ prayer life by reading here.

As you pray, three words will help make your prayer more meaningful.

First, ask. Ask and don’t be afraid to ask.

Sometimes, I hear people say they can’t pray because they don’t deserve to pray or don’t deserve to be heard. That might be the way they feel, but it’s not the way God feels.

God “feels’ the opposite. He encourages–even demands–that we ask, seek, and knock. He tells us to ask so that it will be given to us, seek so that we may find, and knock so that the way may be opened to us. God wants to hear our prayer. He desires us–what an amazing fact!

God tells us to ask–boldly (Hebrews 4:16). He wants us to boldly enter into the throne of His grace. He desires that we pray and seek Him. Seeking God and His presence are encouraged over and over in the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament.

Second, Believe. Believing is fundamental to our relationship with God. “And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

As you pray, pray positively. Believe that God is and that He rewards our desire to know and follow Him. I believe we should think seriously about how we pray. Leave out the negative and pray positively. You can read more about positive praying here. Negative praying is praying not to do something; positive praying is praying that God would change your life, thoughts, and attitudes.

Third, expect. We should pray expectantly. Jesus told us whatever we ask in His name (according to His plan and character) would be given to us. When we pray God’s priorities (thy kingdom come, thy will be done), we should expect that it will be done.

When Elijah prayed, he did not doubt. He expected. So should we.

Our expectation is not about our prayer but about the God to whom we pray. He desires that we ask and seek, and He wants us to believe and expect.

Therefore, let us go boldly to the throne of grace and seek the loving Father who desires us to ask.

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