How often do we encounter people who just wants everything good in life and they say it can be given to you by prayer. So just claim upon the promise, or make sure your prayer is specific, or pray non stop and such. This reminded me of a movie I saw few weeks ago, a small girl was given some words of encouragement by her dad to do well in her exams, he dad said "If you do well, I will buy you something", the small girl was trilled and without thinking much she ran to her mum and said "Dad said will buy me something I want if I do well in my exams!". Little did she knows the dad did not promise to buy her want she wants, but instead has already decided what to buy for her if she did well in her exams.
Paul definitely wanted the thorns of flesh to be removed from him however by prayer he was reminded that “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." Jesus on the other hand was praying so hard moments before he was taken to endure through the ultimate suffering, He had to still endure it but was strengthened “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” 43 Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him." On both these occasions we see that both Paul and Jesus had to endure what was given them but by prayer they obtain all the strength they need. Prayer is not getting what we want. Prayer to me seems like a process. A process of understanding what has to be given to you, how will you receive it that ultimately strengthen your bond with God.
So what do we ask for during prayer? World peace? Good wealth and health?
Let's take a look at Ephesians 6
10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we[c] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.[d] 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.[e] 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Paul's advise was to put on God's armor as the first priority for all believers. That means pray for what God intends us to have. That is pray that we may understand His Word, pray that we want to be holy like Him, pray that we may tell of His great love to everyone and pray that the Holy Spirit may open up our hearts to understand His purpose in our lives.
Then Paul continued " 19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike" He was asking the Ephesians to pray for boldness. This is significant. Sometimes we think that boldness and the ability to pour out love comes automatically once we become Christian. That is wrong, we need to keep praying for it. Take a look at Philippians 1:9 "I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding." Again Paul was emphasizing what they need to pray for - that love will over flow, knowledge and understanding in God's word.
When was the last time we pray for all these attributes? Let me conclude with another scripture (Philippians 4) that tells us to pray for our worries but notice verse 8 we are called to pray while fixing our thoughts on what is true, honorable, right , pure, lovely and admirable. To think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
When was the last time you prayed?
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