John 16:23- ‘I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.’
We must pray in Jesus’ name. Praying in the name of Jesus, relying upon the meritorial work that He accomplished for us, we can be certain that God will hear us. ‘This is the confidence we have in Him, that we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.’ Christ Himself tells us to pray confidently when He said, ‘If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask in prayer.’ (Matthew 21:22). We should pray in true faith with childlike trust in God, our heavenly Father, and harboring no doubt whatsoever in our hearts as to whether our prayers are heard. That is how we should pray.
And when shall we pray? Scripture says, ‘Pray always!’ ‘Pray without ceasing!’ ‘Be constant in prayer!’ Prayer is the vital breath of our spiritual life. We cannot live without breathing. Ceasing to breathe means death. So it is with the spiritual life of a Christian. If the Christian no longer prays, spiritual death has set in. We must live a life of prayer. To pray always is to live as in God’s presence, to be in constant communion with Him. Though Christians never cease to have communion with God, there should be stated times in prayer, times when we direct special prayers and supplications to God or render praise and thanksgiving to Him. David says in one of his psalms: ‘Evening, morning, and noon I cry out in distress.’ (Psalm 55:17). Daniel was accustomed to praying three times a day. The early Christians prayed fervently. Arising from our beds in the morning, should we not thank God? Should we not find a few moments to lift up our thoughts on high during the day? Should we not say a prayer before we eat to express thanks to God for all His blessings and benefits?
As to our last question, Where shall we pray? The answer is found in the fact that God is everywhere. His ears are always open to the cries of His people. 1 Timothy 2:8, ‘I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer.’ But we should especially pray in public worship, as the psalmist says, ‘In the congregations will I bless the Lord.’
Cease not to pray;
On Jesus as you all rely.
Would you live happy, happy die?
Take time to pray!