There’s so much to say and study about prayer, and so we’ve spent two weeks on this discipline rather than one. I will also split up this week’s study into two parts since there is so much to cover.
Is there such a thing as “wasted prayer?” Meaning, are there prayers we pray which are useless and needless, not because of sin in our lives, but just because they are unnecessary? Does that sound radical to you? If so, take stock of this.
Should I pray for cleansing?
- Consider 1 John 1:9 = “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.“
Shouldn’t I rather focus on confession of sins, because He has already promised to cleanse us.
Should I pray for God to lead and guide me?
- Consider Psalm 25:9 = “He leads the humble in justice, And He teaches the humble His way.”
- Consider Psalm 48:14 = “For such is God, Our God forever and ever; He will guide us until death.”
- Consider Isaiah 42:16 = “‘I will lead the blind by a way they do not know, In paths they do not know I will guide them. I will make darkness into light before them And rugged places into plains. These are the things I will do, And I will not leave them undone.’”
- Consider John 16:13 = “‘But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.‘”
Shouldn’t I rather focus on humbly following the guidance He has already given and promised? (His Word, His Spirit)
Should I pray for God’s help, His goodness, His blessings, His strength in times of trouble, His deliverance from temptation?
- Consider Romans 8:28 = “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
- Consider 2 Chronicles 16:9 = “For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. You have acted foolishly in this. Indeed, from now on you will surely have wars.”
- Consider 1 Corinthians 10:13 = “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”
- Consider Matthew 11:28 = “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.”
- Isaiah 41:10 = “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Shouldn’t I rather be sure I am acting according to His purpose? Shouldn’t I rather ensure my heart is completely His? Shouldn’t I look for the way of escape He has already provided? Shouldn’t I not be anxious but rather whole-heartedly rely on Him?
Should I pray for God to supply my needs?
- Consider Philippians 4:19 = “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
- Consider Malachi 3:10 = “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.“
- Consider 2 Peter 1:2-3 = “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.”
- Consider Matthew 6:33 = “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Shouldn’t I rather trust in His promise to supply all my needs and be more focused on obeying Him completely, not partially. Bring the WHOLE tithe in, not just part. Seek Him first, not second or third or whenever I get around to Him.
Should I pray for my prayer to be heard?
- Consider 1 John 5:14 = “This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”
- Consider John 15:7 = “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
- Consider James 5:16 = “Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.”
Shouldn’t I rather be more concerned with asking for things that are in His will? Shouldn’t I be more concerned with abiding in Him? Shouldn’t I be more concerned with confessing my sins and living a righteous life before Him?
All this is not to say that we should not ever be concerned with praying for the things listed above, but often we ask for things in the wrong way or at the wrong time because we’ve not done what we should have done to put ourselves in the right relationship with Him. At times, there are conditions to what we are praying about. God has already promised to supply needs, but most especially to those who are walking in obedience to Him. God has already promised to hear our prayers, but we are instructed that those who live in righteousness will have prayers that “accomplish much.”
Before we pray, we should ask ourselves, “Have I confessed? Am I harboring some sin? Am I holding part of my life back from Him? Have I already obeyed the Word He’s given me? Am I abiding in Him?” and so on. If we can truly say yes to all these things, and we are still in need of and answer to one of the questions above, then by all means pray accordingly.
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.
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