“And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you.” Luke 11:9
ASKING
Many are not sure that God is listening to their prayers. Many, furthermore, do not want to weary God with their repeated requests. The Lord’s teaching on prayer in Luke 11 contradicts this notion. He told a parable about a man who went to his friend’s house at midnight and asked for some bread to feed his unexpected visitors. At first the friend refused, for he and his family were in bed. Finally he got up and gave him the bread – not out of friendship, but because the caller was so persistent. (Luke 9: 5-10)
You see, Jesus used this parable to contrast this reluctant friend with our generous heavenly Father. If an irritated neighbour will give in to his friend’s persistence and grant his request, how much more readily will our heavenly Father give us all we need! Yes, it is true that God, in His great wisdom, may sometimes delay His answers to prayer. It is also true that we must pray in harmony with the Scriptures and God’s will. Ah! But Jesus moved beyond those facts to urge us to persist in prayer. He told us to ask, seek, and knock (v.9) until the answer comes – either yes or no, either Urim or Thummim. (Exodus 28:30). God never tires of us asking.
But, wait a moment. Your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. (Matthew 6:8). Then why ask? The whole meaning of prayer is that we may know God. But, God does not tell us what He is going to do. He simply reveals to you who He is. Those who are not born again must ask and receive; but when we have received and have become rightly related to God, we must maintain this simplicity of belief in Him while we pray.
HOLY SPIRIT
Furthermore, we have to pray relying on the Holy Spirit – what has been revealed to us. “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.” Jude 20
Firstly, prayer is important because He has told us, because of His redemption, it is the mightiest factor He has put into our hands.
Second, it is important because of the personal presence of the Holy Spirit in the day in which we live. We receive our knowledge of the Holy Spirit, not by experience first, but by the testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ. The testimony of Jesus Christ regarding the Holy Spirit is that, not only is He here, but also, the real, living experience the Holy Spirit works in us is that all His emphasis is laid on glorifying our Lord Jesus Christ. We know the Holy Spirit first by the testimony of Jesus, and then by the conscious enjoyment of His presence.
Therefore pray. (Matthew 9:38)
Ah! But the first revelation is that we do not know how to pray, but “Likewise, the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit Isself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Romans 8: 26. We need to learn to have a close relationship with Jesus Christ. As we do, we realize that the Holy Spirit keeps us in a simple relationship with our Lord while we pray.
Our minds must be saturated by the revelation of prayer until we learn in every detail to pray in the Holy Spirit. You see prayer is not an exercise, it is life!
SEEKING
But, in our prayers with our endeavours, we must not only seek, but also ask. Then, in asking and seeking we must continue pressing, still knocking at the same door, and we shall at length prevail, not only by our prayers in concert, but by our particular prayers. Every one that asketh receiveth, even the weakest saint that asks in faith. “This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him…” Psalm 34:6
When we ask of God those things which Christ has here directed us to ask, (that His name may be sanctified, that His kingdom may come, and His will be done), in these requests we must be importunate – persistent! We must never hold our peace day or night; we must not keep silence nor give God any rest until He establishes, until He makes Spiritual Jerusalem a praise in the earth. (Isaiah 62:6,7) Prayer, therefore, is the Truth For today!
BURDENING
There was a poor man in Ireland, plodding along toward home, carrying a huge bag of potatoes. A horse and wagon finally drew up alongside him on the road, and the driver invited the man to climb aboard. After getting on the wagon, he sat down but continued to hold the heavy bag.
When the driver suggested that the man set the bag down in the wagon, he replied, “I don’t want to trouble you too much, sir, you are giving me a ride already so I’ll just carry the potatoes.” How foolish of him! Yet, sometimes we attempt to bear the burdens of our lives in our own strength. No wonder we become weary and over whelmed with anxiety and fear.
So, rather than trying to bear your burdens all by yourself, set them down in God’s hands – with prayer. God invites you to burden Him with what burdens you – in prayer. Give Him each perplexing problem and make known to Him all of your needs. Bring to Him your daily burdens – never carry them alone! ”Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee…” Psalm 55:22
A BATTLE
Ah! Well said and done – but prayer is the battle! It is a matter of indifference where you are. Whichever way God directs or engineers circumstances, the duty is to pray! Never allow the thought – “I am of no use where I am” — because you certainly can be of no use where you are not. Wherever God has put you in circumstances, pray to Him all the time. “…Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, He will give it you.” John 16:23
Oh! But the fashionable idea that prayer is not essential is one of Satan’s most successful traps to destroy souls. He has foisted this blasphemous idea on a drowsy and custom-laden world. “The darkness of the evil one encloses those who neglect to pray.” –Steps to Christ, p. 94. Prayer is a privilege. “Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to Him.” –Steps to Christ, p. 92
Prayer, in reality, is communion with God. It is the fountain of wisdom; a sacred journey, and a gate to heaven. Moreover, it is the source of strength, peace, and happiness. Why? Because, “The Bible Tells Me So.” (Hymn by W. Bradbury, 1862). The Bible is a gift from God, a gift of Jesus. Although the Bible is still the world’s No. 1 Best Seller, it lies idle most of the time, replaced by the pleasures and glitter of the world.
One day a little girl went to her mother and asked, “Mommy, what is that large black book on the top of the book shelf covered with dust?” The pious-like mother replied, “Oh, my dear child that is God’s Book!” The little girl answered back, “Well, Mommy, maybe we ought to give it back to God, because nobody in this house reads it.”
“Pray” and “Praying” is mentioned over 500 times in the Bible! (Strong’s Concordance, J. Strong, LL.D., Thomas Nelson, 2001). Jesus prayed to the Father with strong crying and tears. (Hebrews 5:7). Paul says, Pray constantly. (1 Thessalonians 5:17). James says, “Pray one for another.” James 5:16
Every house in these troubled times needs to be a house of prayer, more now than ever before. Why? How? When we pray for ourselves we must never forget our brethren. In the afflictions, sickness, or downtrodden souls, pray for the removal of these infirmities. Although we are to pray for our enemies, pray against their wickedness!
PRAYER GLORIFIES
How long must our prayers be “to be heard?” Well, John Wesley began prayer at 4 a.m. and prayed for two hours. His face was shining as he left his closet. John Fletcher’s walls of his room were stained with the breath of his prayers. His whole life was a life of prayer. Luther said, “If I don’t pray two hours every morning, the devil takes the victory throughout the day.”
In the account of the agony in the Garden of Gethsemane when Jesus Christ was praying, all the sins of the world’s burdens were placed upon Him. He was perspiring great drops of blood (this is a physiological phenomenon where the capillaries actually rupture due to undue stress). (Matthew 26:36-39). The temptation was exceedingly great! He lay prostrate to pray. Jesus Christ often went there to pray with the disciples.
Jesus said to His disciples in the Garden, “Tarry ye here, and watch with me.” Matthew 26:38. He continued to pray, “If it be possible, let this cup pass from me: not as I will, but as thou wilt.” Matthew 26:39. This cup was from the Father, not Satan!
Humanity would have died here if an angel did not come to support Him. Jesus knew completely what the cost would be; He voluntarily paid it!
SLEEPING
“And He cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:40, 41. Instead of watching with Jesus Christ, who was burdened with sorrow and lending strength, sympathy and an alert presence, they were sleeping. Jesus imperatively needed them!
But, they lost much by sleeping. Jesus Christ, in fact, wanted to strengthen them; to unite into the spirit of prayer, by their fervent support, and prayers. “He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, Thy will be done.” Matthew 26:42
What does all of this represent? A sleeping church – someone who is not watching. Sorrow, trials, and afflictions, are not reasons to be careless – to not be watching. If one is alert – watching – the signs of the Lord’s second coming can be envisioned clearly. Peter tells us, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.” 1 Peter 4:12
It all means – be awake, alert! Watchfulness, furthermore, means that people in the church of God, the remnant church, are distinct from the popular apostate churches, namely the Ecumenical Movement. For many churches many of the signs and doctrines are merely symbolic, ritualistic, and traditional.
We can show others that we are merely pilgrims and strangers on earth – on a sacred journey!
“And He left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Then cometh He to His disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.” Matthew 26:44, 45. The crisis had passed – the opportunity to be useful had passed.
If His disciples were watching – praying – they would not have lost their faith when they saw Jesus Christ on the cross, but they would have gained an unfathomable power! They would have had hope to light up the darkness in that trial ahead to keep their faith in that terrible hour. The Chinese characters state that when there is “opportunity, there is danger – and this equals a crisis.” Jesus clearly told them these things were to happen – trials, surprises, sudden changes, etc. That is why He said, watch and pray. For us too, trials await us; the plagues, for which we need astounding strength and faith to pass through. Are you willing?
PRAYER AND PRAISE
Many homes have signs saying, “Prayer Changes Things.” Here is a secret I want to share with you; maybe a revelation? After we have prayed and believed (believed and behaved) remember that “Praise Changes Things.”
A Pastor found a baby pigeon with a broken wing. He tenderly bound and splinted the wing, and slowly tamed it until it was able to go outdoors again. The pigeon, however, attempted to fly after seeing other pigeons flying about. But, the wing was not completely healed; it was still bound. We too have “one wing” but we are not bound – tied.
Here is a revelation for us, and perhaps new to many, to cherish and ponder over daily: A new weapon against Satan, for the victory is ours – promised to us:
We Need Two Wings To Fly Heavenward:
- Prayer – Prayer Asks!
- Praise – Praise Takes – Gets An Answer!
In the Book of 2 Chronicles 20 we read of Judah being invaded by the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and Edomites. Jehoshaphat, the King of Judah prayed to the Lord for victory as the enemy armies were far stronger. “And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the Lord; for His mercy endureth for ever.” 2 Chronicles 20:21
“And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.” 2 Chronicles 20:22. The Lord answered Jehoshaphat’s prayer through Jahaziel – “who came the Spirit of the Lord in the midst of the congregation; saying, ‘be not afraid or dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.’ They sang in battle! The enemy armies destroyed one another; not one was left – not one escaped; a miraculous conquest! The conquest of self requires unceasing prayer. (Steps to Christ, p. 95) We need prayer and praise that Christ is always ready to hear and answer. (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 532)
AROMA OF PRAYER
In Rumania there is an immeasurably breathless valley in which distinctively fragrant roses are grown for the Viennese market. One who passes through this valley will exude the perfume of the roses for hours afterwards. People will know, even the next day that you have been in that fabled valley. “All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.” Psalm 45:8
With Jesus Christ, also, when we are well related to Him and in His Holy presence, the fruits of our prayers and praise will emanate and pervade unto others. The weakest saint can experience the power of the deity of the Son of God once he is willing to “let go.”
Any strand of our own energy will blur the life of Jesus. We have to keep “letting go” and slowly and surely the great fullness of the life of Jesus will pervade and invade our entire bodies with His fragrant essence, because men will take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus – the Flower of all flowers. “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God” Psalm 50:23
Jesus Christ is the rock; and rocks do not shake. They do not run; do not panic! Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him. “Be still, and know that I am God…” Psalm 46:10
UNANSWERED PRAYER
Finally, our Lord, in His teaching regarding prayer, never once referred to unanswered prayer; He said God always answers prayer. If our prayers are in the name of Jesus, that is, in accordance with His nature, the answers will not be in accordance with our nature, but with His. We are apt to forget this and to say without thinking that God does not always answer prayer. He does every time, and when we are in close communion with Him, we realize that we have not been misled. God’s people need the spirit of wrestling in prayer. (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 534)
In closing, there was a delightful little girl who loved Jesus dearly; she was about to celebrate her birthday. She prayed fervently to God that it would not rain the next day, the day of her birthday, and that it would be clear and sunny. The following day, however, it unexpectedly rained torrentially. A professed Christian man cynically asked her, “Where was your God? It rained! He did not answer your prayer!” The docile little girl confidingly answered him, “Oh! Yes, God answered me – He said NO!”
Ask in faith and you will receive God’s answer. (Testimonies for the Church, vol.2, p. 426). Do not be discouraged if you do not receive an answer to prayer. (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 202). God knows how and when to grant answer to prayer. (The Story of Redemption, p. 247). Furthermore, God knows better how to grant answer to prayer than petitioners. (Counsels on Health, p. 375). Moreover, true prayer accepts in advance the will of God, whether known, or unknown, whether to grant or withhold. Prayer may be hindered when the fellowship with their Father is broken because of sin (Matthew 6:12, 15). The children of God must be divinely taught “to pray” not merely how to pray. (Luke 11:1). In any sincere prayer, before personal requests are made, we first need to pray for the kingdom of God and its coming down from Heaven.
CONDITIONS OF ANSWERED PRAYER
“There are certain conditions upon which we may expect that God will hear and answer our prayers. One of the first of these is that we feel our need of help from Him. He has promised, ‘I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground.’ Isaiah 44:3. Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, who long after God, may be sure that they will be filled. The heart must be open to the Spirit’s influence, or God’s blessing cannot be received… If we regard iniquity in our hearts, if we cling to any know sin, the Lord will not hear us; but the prayer of the penitent, contrite soul is always accepted. When all known wrongs are righted, we may believe that God will answer our petitions. Our own merit will never commend us to the favour of God; it is the worthiness of Jesus that will save us, His blood that will cleanse us; yet we have a work to do in complying with the conditions of acceptance.” –Steps to Christ, p. 95
Jesus, Himself said, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall 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.” 2 Chronicles 7:14. How was it said? “One Nation Under God.”(Abraham Lincoln)
Remember, the door handle is on our side, not God’s. As soon as we “say so” the door opens and the salvation which we believe in is ours! Too often we are like the child who does nothing but murmur; we grouse and refuse to consent. As soon as we “say so,” and open the door, we are set free, the door opens to a higher and better life that awaits us. If you have not received, ask; if you have not found, seek; if the door is shut, knock! (John 10:9)
What a surprise it will be to find, when the veil is lifted, the souls that have been reaped by you simply because you had been in the habit of taking your orders from Jesus – in prayer. Remember, however, to sow the “Real Seed.” (Leviticus 26:16)
Prayer is simple to us because it cost Him so much to make it possible. God grant that we may work for His victories in our lives by following His Way by PRAYER: THE SACRED JOURNEYS. A hearty AMEN!
John Theodorou
USA