Christian Living

WHEN YOU PRAY

by Mari Morris
04/21/26
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When You Pray

Written by Mari Morris

Copyright 02/05/08

I just wonder sometimes how many of us are really connected when we pray, to the realization that we have the awesome privilege (and responsibility), as children of God to take everything to Him in prayer.

I mean, think about it: The King of the Universe, Savior of the World, the Maker of Heaven and Earth, wants to hear what you have to say.

"When you pray..." the first three words preceding the Lord's Prayer. Three little words upon which a whole host of Scriptures is based, about just how we are to approach the Living God.

So, what exactly does the Bible tell us about how we are to pray? I'm going to tell you what you already know in your heart, but what often gets lost in the actual practice of prayer itself.

Prayer is much more than just letting your petitions be made known unto God. It is fellowship with God. That is ministering to God, and allowing God to minister to us.

And prayer is much more than just asking God for the things we want, or even need.

It is a two-way communication with God. Believe it or not, prayer is first and foremost about listening to God. Because the Bible tells us that He answers prayer according to His Will.

Kingdom prayers.

We are also told to pray fervent and effectual prayers... in faith believing. But many people find it very difficult to pray that way.

Why?

Because we often allow our mind, our heart and our will - to take precedence over His.

And sometimes that can hinder our ability to pray at all.

Wherever discussions about prayer take place, you will often hear the questions: But how do you know it's God's Will? And how do you really believe if you're not sure?

And the answer is: that you don't always have to know.

A belief in God is based on trusting God... and the strongly held conviction that God loves us. And that despite any and all appearances to the contrary, in the end, He will always answer our prayers according to what is in our best interest.

Our belief in God is not based on Him doing our will. And our faith in Him is not based on what we pray for, - or how and when - He will choose to Answer.

When it is, it will only lead to disappointment and discouragement in prayer. And that will only hinder our faith.

And we do already know, by Faith - that God never - not ever, disappoints.

So when we do feel disappointed or discouraged - or that God didn't answer our prayer, it is really only our flesh that has been disappointed.

The Scripture also says that we don't know what to pray for as we ought. But God has already revealed in the Scripture what He most wants us to know about His Will.

If there is anything else that we need to know, God is Faithful to reveal it. If we will - Listen. Pray. Wait. Trust. And leave the outcome up to God.

In order to discern His Will, we must start with a sincere, seeking heart towards God and His will. If you don't have one, pray for that first. Psalm 81:13–14 says that God wants to answer your prayer, if you will pray according to His Good Will for you.

So we must allow ourselves to be trained to love the Will of God above our own.

And may we always be willing to pray: God, feel free to disappoint my flesh. Or, as Jesus did... not my will but Yours.

So when you pray, take your advice from the Scripture itself about just how you should do that...

And purpose in your mind and heart to set yourself, your thoughts, and your own will aside.

Because the Living God is just waiting to talk to... and to answer - you!

May we allow that thought to inspire us all. And to cause us to live our lives as a tribute to the God who died for us. So that we could be His children, and pray, as His ambassadors -

Kingdom prayers...