Jeremiah 33:3 – “Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’” NASB

Let us step a little deeper into our consideration of the importance, misconceptions, and dynamics of Prayer!

EFFECTIVE PRAYER REQUIRES COMMITMENT…

That is absolutely true, but it requires more than our commitment and dedication to the activity – – It also requires something on God’s part.  God has extended to us the ‘invitation’ to prayer, granted us the ‘ability’ to pray, and ‘teaches’ us to pray through the Holy Spirit.  Yet, we must never forget who we are addressing when we pray.

1 Timothy 6:15-16 – “… He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.”  NASB

You do not just casually drop in on people like Presidents, Prime Ministers, or Royalty in the natural, so why would we think we could do so in the spiritual?  However, this one has extended an ‘invitation’ to enter His presence Anytime and make our request known to Him!  We have an Open Invitation to call upon Him anytime!

Jeremiah 29:12 – “…pray to Me, and I will listen to you.”  NASB

Job 33:26 – “Then he will pray to God, and He will accept him, that he may see His face with joy, and He may restore His righteousness to man.” NASB

When you realize God’s directive regarding prayer, you understand that the person who prays is promised a hearing; God delights in that person and promises divine righteousness to them.  That is incredible!  Prayer is not ‘overcoming the reluctance’ of God.  Prayer is responding to the provision of God.  The appointment has already been made, and it is up to us to keep it.  God Will!

Prayer is a powerful interaction with God.  It is not like a beggar asking for alms from a wealthy person.  It is more like an ambassador reporting to his superior.  Prayer demands discipline, dedication, and determination.

Jeremiah 29:13 – “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”

Did you see that?  God promised that if we seek Him, we will find Him When we do so with all our heart!  Prayer is more than praying for the needs of others or a particular desire or situation.  It is fellowshipping with God UNTIL you get to know His heart and will! 

So, my question for all of us is – “How much time does it require to know God intimately?”  People who only pray when the Spirit moves them seldom develop any real depth in their relationship with God.  God’s commitment to us requires a commitment from us!  He has made Himself available All the Time.  We must make ourselves available to Him.  Communication requires at least two persons!

I have a couple more thoughts on this subject but will hold them until another session. 

May the Lord richly be with you as you go through your day!