Gtpministries.org – Prayer is a request that we hope for and will definitely happen. This is not just an ordinary saying, but contains a basic truth and is an important requirement for human life, such as the importance of breath for human life. We may spend more time doing our work and busy doing our daily activities.
In fact, we as followers of Christ must give ourselves time first to pray as the Lord Jesus did early in the morning. He prayed before carrying out His Work and Activities (Mark 1:35).
Prayer is a simple action that can be done anywhere and at any time and is not limited by time and space. Just like Jonah who prayed in the belly of the fish, he prayed in very difficult situations and conditions, but he still remembered to pray (Jonah 2:1). Maybe we pray when we want to eat, when we are worshiping, when we are alone, in quiet time, when visiting sick people, in times of distress and despair, or when we are very happy, we pray.
There are some people who may no longer pray because of their busy schedules in their daily activities. Maybe there are people who used to pray diligently but because God never answered their prayers, they no longer pray at all. He thought that God did not hear his prayers. What’s even sadder is that there are those who think prayer is meaningless and of no use at all.
But God’s Word clearly says that the prayer of a righteous person, when prayed with confidence, has great power (James 5:16). The Lord Jesus guarantees that whatever we ask in prayer with full confidence, we will receive it (Matthew 22:21).
But a question arises for us, is it in this digital era, are there still people who pray tirelessly? Indeed, this doubt has existed since the time of Jesus. And in the Sermon on the Mount, Lord Jesus firmly said: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.”
There are three important points from this verse which will be explained below:
First, Ask. Asking means we are aware of our needs (Philippians 4:6). God teaches us to ask based on what we need, and not what we want. Especially if we ask or pray only to satisfy our desires. (James 4:3).
Asking means we are aware of our abilities (John 15:7). We are like branches that cannot do anything apart from the vine, namely the Lord Jesus Christ.
Asking means we are hoping for the Giver (Matthew 8:2). When we pray, we hope for Jesus Christ as the Answerer of prayer. We are compared to a leper who came to the Lord Jesus to cleanse his leprosy. In this case, the Lord Jesus was not only able to cleanse the leper, but moreover He was willing and willing to cleanse the leper. Likewise with our prayers to God, He is always willing and willing to answer our prayers.
Second, look for it. To seek means not to remain silent, but to strive (Matthew 13:45). In waiting for the answer to our prayers, we must not remain silent but must do something that is our part, until God answers our prayers, which are His part.
Searching means using all available facilities (eyes, feet, brain, hands) (Jeremiah 29:7). The prophet Jeremiah was told by God to pray and seek prosperity in the city where they were exiled, namely Babylon.
Likewise, we must pray and try by mobilizing all our efforts, energy and thoughts for the welfare of our family, neighbors, community, government and nation and the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia because the welfare of the nation and country where we are is our welfare too.
Third, tap. Knocking requires patience and steadfastness (Romans 12:12). The Apostle Paul reminded the congregation in Rome to always be patient and steadfast in waiting for answers to prayer and not to knock on other doors than God’s.
Knocking is a repetitive action (Luke 18:1-8). The Lord Jesus taught that when it comes to praying, it should be done diligently and repeatedly. Why did the Lord Jesus take the parable of a widow who pleaded with a tyrannical judge to defend her case? The answer was, because of perseverance and patience and not getting tired of coming to plead with the tyrannical judge, his request was granted by the tyrannical judge, even though the tyrannical judge did not fear God and did not respect anyone.
Won’t God justify His chosen people who cry out to Him day and night? Surely God will answer our prayers that sincerely ask Him, because He is a good Father.
As God’s children who have been allowed by Him, let us pray tirelessly for our families, neighbors, community, government to be given wisdom and wisdom in carrying out our duties and responsibilities to bring prosperity to the nation and the United State of the Republic of Indonesia, may the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ joins and blesses us all. Amen.
