Prayer, Part II

God is specific concerning the conditions for acceptable prayer.

1. Prayer must be offered in faith. “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive” (Matthew 21:22). “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering” (James 1:6).
2. Prayer must be offered with a forgiving heart. “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12).
3. Prayer must be offered by men and women who are living according to God’s teaching. John said, “And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight” (I John 3:22). “The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry” (Psalm 34:16) “The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers” (1 Peter 3:12).
4. Prayer must be in the name of Christ. “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it” (John 14:13,14).
5. Prayer must be according to God’s will. “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us” (I John 5:14). Let us pray as Jesus, “Nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42).
6. Prayer must be persistent. Jesus said, “Men ought always to pray and not to faint” (Luke 18:1). “Pray without ceasing” (I Thessalonians 5:17).

Be determined that you offer prayers in faith, with a forgiving heart, in the name of Christ, according to God’s will — and — live righteous lives. “Ere you left your room this morning, did you think to pray?”

– Steve Housley