PRAYER

   The act of giving thanks to God and asking something from Him in prayer. It's a vital ingredient in the life of a Christian. As we know that living as a Christian requires us to pattern our lives in the way of Christ. It's a continuous activity that should never stop or limited to one area of our lives.
   The bible says Pray Without Ceasing(1 Thessalonians 5:17) Pray until something happens. We can't be believers and be mute. Though we have been told to behave like doves but we must be radical in times of prayer. There is no place you can get what you can't ask from God, and if you eventually get what looks like it, its without peace( Proverbs 10:22).
   When Paul the apostle was writing to the church in Ephesus about the whole amour of God, he told them never to stop praying (Ephesians 6:18). How can you have such a great amour and still need prayers? It's very necessary.
     Our Lord Jesus Christ was teaching His disciples the kind of prayer that is needed by using the illustration of a persistent widow and a judge (Luke 18:1-8). It's so amazing that He asked if He would find faith when He comes back? He also gave a prayer pattern which is titled " the Lord's Prayer "- Matthew 6:9-13.
     Some of us might say " I pray a lot", "God knows that I pray", but I want to ask you, is it out of total reliance on God or you are figuring something out by yourself if God delays ( a plan B, just in case)? Is your faith intact? Some might say the bible says " ask and it shall be given irrespective of whether I have faith or not", to be sincere with you it's impossible to receive anything without faith (James 1:6).
   The two works together. When you pray without faith you won't receive anything and when you have faith without asking, nothing shall be given unto you. There are times when situations become overwhelming and we don't even know how to pray. This is the reason why we've been given the Holy Spirit.
   He makes intercession for us with groanings that can't be uttered (Romans 8:26). Let's endeavors to pray in the Holy ghost to build up our faith (Jude 20). We are not to pray like another person. We are made differently and the Lord relates with us the way He created us.
   What works in the relationship between God and another person might not work for you. God didn't relate to Abraham and Isaac in the same way. So He doesn't need you to commune with Him by imitating another person, but for you to come the way you are. You must understand that though you are always busy with work and you find it difficult to relate with God (like someone else does) who is always less busy, the Lord knows you and what's going on with you. You don't need to impress Him.
      You don't have to shout to disturb people around you so that they will know that you are praying (Matthew 6:5-6). Whether you are busy or not, faith goes first, then ask from God what's on your mind. Commune with Him on your bed, place of work, on the street, in the car, or anywhere you find yourself. The Lord sees your heart, a life of prayer keeps you in His presence, simply ask.
   All your prayers must be made in the name of Jesus( John 14:14) because He's our HIGH PRIEST( Hebrews 4:15) and be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplications with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God (Philippians 4:6). SHALOM!