Answered prayer was a common feature of Jesus’ life and ministry! This was especially true because Jesus also had a very deep and active prayer life. Actually, prayer was one of the principles of Jesus’ life, and if we are to be His disciples and produce the fruits of answered prayers that bring glory to God, we must also make prayer a priority in our lives.
Proverbs 3:6 NKJV
“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.“
This must be one of the most import principles of our lives – to pray to the Father at all times and seek His face in all that we do. We must become people of the Spirit, who are rooted and grounded in prayer and the word.
JESUS PRAYED!
Matthew 14:23 NKJV
“And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.”
Jesus set Himself aside daily to pray and communicate with His Father. He came away from the crowds, and sometimes His disciples, just to pray.
For the believer, prayer must become a standard for life; we must develop a lifestyle of praying always and at all times – learning to talk to God always, at all times and about everything.
EARLY MORNING PRAYER
Mark 1:35 NKJV
“Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.”
Early morning prayer was also a common thing in Jesus’ life. How many of us are willing to forfeit half an hour or an hour’s sleep, just to spend time in prayer in the morning, talking to the Father about the things of the Kingdom?
JESUS PRAYED ALL NIGHT
Luke 6:12 NKJV
“Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.”
It is reported that the two old women, Peggy and Christine Smith (one blind and one arthritic) who prayed for the Hebrides Revivals, often prayed throughout the night! They must have learned it from Jesus, who also often took time to spend all night in prayer with His Father.
There is power in spending the night in prayer, especially, if a few friends come together just to pray through the night. It takes grace and strength, but it is possible to do it, even on your own. The results are phenomenal!
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Jesus’ disciples observed that He spent much time in prayer so they asked Him to teach them how to pray. Jesus taught his disciples The Lord’s Prayer, giving us the principles of prayer.
Luke 11:2-4 NKJV
“[2] So He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. [3] Give us day by day our daily bread. [4] And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.””
Prayer was so important to Jesus that in John 17, He prayed earnestly for all His disciples, including us, who were yet to be saved. We must, therefore, also make prayer one of the most important practices in our lives.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 NLT
“[1] I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. [2] Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. [3] This is good and pleases God our Savior, [4] who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.”
If we are to receive the fruits of answered prayers that bring glory to God, we must certainly make prayer a priority! We can pray about everything and anything with the confident assurance that God will hear and answer us favourably.
1 John 5:14-15 NKJV
“[14] Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. [15] And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”
AMEN AND AMEN!!!
For Further Reading: Mark 6:45-46; Ephesians 6:18
Fulfilling Our Theme For 2024: “Building The Highway And Lifting The Banner”
“And in that day, there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him…. (therefore) Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway! Take out the stones, lift up a banner for the peoples!” [Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 62:10]
Women In Tune | QUIVER | Cedars House Christian (International)