I wanted to share some key points when it comes to prayer from passages found in the Gospels. I will give some additional thoughts in another blog post on how the Lord has developed my prayer life. What is interesting, while looking back, I did not realize the very principles listed below were in operation over the years while the Spirit was guiding my prayer life. Although I observe these principles in operation within my prayer life, there is still room for improvement. Nevertheless, read the following:
Mark 11:12-14, 20-25
In these passages, Jesus curses a fig tree, seemingly, because it had no fruit upon it. This may be a picture of Israel’s judgment due to there rejection of Him being Messiah. However, Jesus uses this event to talk about prayer.
When it was discovered by Peter that the tree had withered down to the root after Jesus cursed it, Jesus proceeded to share some essential truths about prayer.
- Jesus has all authority as being God. He spoke a word to a fig tree and it withered. This passage illustrates his authority. As a result, we should feel reassured that He has the authority and ability to answer our requests that are in line with His will. He says to the disciples to have faith in God. With Jesus being the second in the Trinity, He would be referring to Himself along with the other Persons of the Trinity (Father and Holy Spirit). A way to view this phrase, “Have faith in God”, is to fundamentally trust God. In whatever mountain that you are facing, align your words, thoughts, emotions, will, and behaviors to reflect your hope and trust that God will move the mountain.
- Every impossibility becomes a possibility through prayer. Moving a mountain is a metaphor that speaks to a seemingly impossible situation. However, doubt plays a role in moving the impossible obstacle. James, the brother of Jesus, repeats the same language in his letter while stating, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting. (James 1:5-6)
- Another important facet of answered prayer is forgiveness. Forgiveness is at the heart of the gospel, indeed, it is at the heart of the Christian life. Forgiveness functions as a means of obedience and that of a key to answered prayer.
Luke 18:1-8
- Persistence is vital. The widow in the passage had some sort of injustice that was being done by her adversary. The judge who was unjust, refused to give justice. However, because of the widow’s persistence, the judge eventually granted the widow justice.
- No answer now, does not mean no answer later. Clearly, the judge was refusing the widow for some time. However, the judge’s continual “no’s” did not deter her from coming back. She did not lose heart or doubt. She received justice at a later date.
- The nature of request. In this passage, the widow wanted justice against her adversary. We know from Scripture, God is just. When we look out into the world and view injustices, we should ask God for justice in those situations. Even if we do not get an immediate answer, be not deterred, continue to press in.
- The adversary. The adversary in this passage is likely speaking of a human being that was oppressing the widow. However, we cannot ignore the spiritual roots behind this term. Adversary, in the Greek “antidikos” which means, “A prosecuting attorney arguing a case-at-law; an “opponent at law”. Satan is labeled our “adversary” (1 Pet. 5:8; Rev. 12:9). The mentioning of the adversary points to spiritual warfare being employed in the midst of answered prayer. This is illustrated in the Old Testament with Daniel 10. Daniel had been praying for his nation and his answer was delayed in coming at least 21 days because the angel that was sent to Daniel was resisted by demonic princes.
- God answers the prayers of the elect. It could be that God has answered many of our prayers. However, in some mysterious way our persistence in seeking and trusting God, empowers the ministering spirits (angels) in carrying out the answers that God has provided. I can only speculate but it does seem that it plays a role.
Luke 11:5-13
After Luke records a shorter rendition of the Lord’s Prayer, he goes into a teaching that Jesus gave about prayer that is only found in his gospel.
Shameless boldness. The story begins with a man that has a guest and is seemingly short on food. As a result, the host goes to his ‘friend’s’ home at midnight to get bread. The friend, at first, refused because of the lateness of the hour and being in bed. However, because of his friend’s persistence, he eventually gives his friend what he needs. A key term in this passage is impudence which is found in verse 8. This term connotes a “shameless persistence” and “unembarrassed boldness.”
Jesus is communicating that we as believers should approach His throne with boldness, shamelessness (pouring out your heart without abandon), and persistence. The Hebrews writer gives a similar statement, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace….” (Heb. 4:16). By doing so, the door will be open to receive whatever you need. Indeed, what we need, and what the world needs, is to be filled with the Holy Spirit! Have you prayed persistently to ask for constant fillings of the Holy Spirit for yourself and for others?
