Christian Living

Praying Online

by paul hoffmaster
04/14/21
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I wonder how many people anticipate answers to their prayers.  How many people pray with expectation?   I don’t think people have a problem with “uploading” their prayers, but there seems to be an uncertainty as to “downloading” the answer.  Maybe the question should be why do we pray?  One of the reasons is to bring us to a God consciousness.  We also “talk” with God to express our requests.   Prayer is not a one-way street but an active exchange with our Creator.  The answer to prayers can be related to the “online” status of the petitioner.   When the person who prays does not have an active “connection” with the Lord, his prayer life will be affected.

Peter had been arrested and was facing a death sentence.   Prayer meetings were being held throughout Jerusalem for him.   One group, in particular, illustrates the “disconnect” they had with God.   On this particular night, the prayers of the petitioners were answered and Peter was miraculously freed.   Peter decided to go to one of the prayer meetings to show that prayer works.  Arriving at Mary’s house, he knocks at the gate door, calling for someone to come and open the door.  A young woman went to the door and when she heard Peter’s voice, she became so excited, that instead of opening the door, she ran back inside and shouted that Peter was outside.  The response she received was that she had lost her mind!  Through her insistence, they finally claimed that she probably saw an angel.  Peter continued to knock and call out until finally the “prayer warriors” came to the gate and seeing Peter became astonished.   Prayer without expectation is having a form of godliness but denying the power.  Praying without the assurance God hears our prayer, is not prayer.   Prayer is praying with confidence that God will address the subject. (It may not be the answer we sought, but it will be related to the request.)  After Peter shared with the bewildered prayer team, he left to go to other groups showing the power of prayer. (Acts 12: 1-17) I wonder how many prayer groups jumped for joy when they saw Peter.  I imagine they may have converted their prayer meetings into a praise gathering.

If Believers are having a hard time with prayer, it is time to check if we are still “online.”  If not, we need to check our Bible connection and get rid of any viruses that may have confused our prayer life.   Pray with expectation, and don’t be surprised when “Peter” is standing at your door!