Through prayers, we have the opportunity to lift up our hearts in communication with God Almighty. Prayer should be sweet and should withdraw us from a world of care into our Father’s throne. Through prayers, our souls should often find relief and escape the tempter’s snare. The opportunity to pray is a great privilege!
The influence of prayer: Prayer influences God (affects God’s actions), whether it be the petition of Elijah for self or that of Moses for others (I Kg. 19:4; Num. 14:1-5, 11-20). In Gen. 15:7-12, 17-18, prayer precipitated a covenant and in Lk. 9:28-36, the Lord’s Prayer gave his disciples a glimpse of heaven. When God responds to prayer, His action influences the man [petitioner] (Lk. 9:33; I Kg. 19:8; Acts 12:1-11).
The instrument of prayer: Prayer cannot be made without faith, therefore, faith is the instrument of prayer (Mt. 21:22; Mk. 11:23-24. Abram made request in the light of God’s word (Rom. 4:16-21). Since we come to God through prayer, without faith prayer is impossible because he that comes to God must believe (have faith) that God is and will reward the act of prayer (Heb. 11:6).
Hearken: The prayer of a sinner is an abomination to the Lord except he is saying, “Lord have mercy on me, a sinner” (Pr. 28:9; 15:8; 28:13). Prayers should be directed to God, not angels or any other saint. Also, those who won’t pray will complain. When was the last time you spent a quality time with God?