Some needs and desires in life exceed our human ability to develop, earn or obtain them. There are times when our best effort fail to accomplish or fulfill what it is we are seeking after. What can we do when our needs or desires exceed all human ability and mental capacity? Thankfully, we can pray.
We can go before the Lord in prayer and supplication. We can make our request known to an almighty and loving God. And when we pray, we can do so with the assurance that God hears us and will answer.
Jesus not only instructed the disciples on how to pray in Matthew 6:6 but, he told them they could expect to be rewarded by God when they prayed in like manner:
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
1 Chronicles 4:10, illustrates a wonderful example of how we can approach God in prayer with a sense of urgency, humility and simplicity:
Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request.
We should also realize that some of our needs may only be realized through the power of prayer and fasting as noted in Mark 9:28-29.
After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?"
He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting."
There is a blessed assurance for the Christian Believer when they enter into prayer. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, the word of the Lord to the children of Israel declared:
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
As Christian Believers we assume this humble posture before God the moment we confess with our mouths the Lord Jesus Christ and Believe that God raised Christ from the grave. Through this confession we take on the righteousness of Christ and gain sonship into the Kingdom of God as noted in Romans 8:15:
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
That’s good news because God is an awesome Father. He is concerned about His children. He’s not just concerned, but he provides for the needs of His children as duly noted by Christ in Luke 12: 27-28:
Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.
If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you…
Let us be encouraged to pray from this day forward to our Heavenly Father. Let us seek God not only in times of trial and tribulation, but also in times of peace and prosperity. If we do this, perhaps the song of our hearts will sing out as David’s did in Psalm 34:4:
I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Or in Psalm 23:
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Saints of God, let us pray.
