Some Points on Prayer
Prayers are offered by many people, and for many things, yet prayer is one of the most misunderstood communions one can have with God. Many turn to prayer only when things are going poorly for them. Others want to pray or have someone else pray for them or their family members for just about everything.
When “little Johnny” has an upcoming test, the requests for prayer is made. For what are we to pray; that he pass his test? This takes the responsibility off of the student, and places it on God. Whose fault is it when the failing grade is handed out? The same is true in regard to sporting events, job searches, and health issues. Those who ask God (or Jesus, to whom some pray) for a win or a job, a good grade or to have their health “instantly” restored are actually asking for a miracle. (More on this in future articles.)
Miracles have ceased. Miracles were “part” of God’s plan when the plan was being delivered to man. 1Corinthians 13:10 informs us that the “part” no longer functions when the “complete” revelation of God had been received. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. The purpose of miracles was to confirm the Word in the absence of the written Word. According to Hebrews 2:4, while the Bible was being delivered by the Spirit, God provided all that man needed for a “witness” of that Word. God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
For one to ask God to do something separate from His Word is wrong! To ask God to do that which He no longer does, is to disregard His Word. To ask Him to provide you a “special” favor is also disregarding His Word. We know that God
Himself informed us of this in Acts 10:34 when Peter had been instructed that the gospel was to be preached the Gentiles as well as the Jews. Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: Therefore, God is not going to save anyone other than through the plan He set up before the foundations of the world. This is the same plan that required the death of His only begotten Son on Calvary to purchase the church.
So, shouldn’t we be careful what we ask and how we ask it? For instance, we often hear the phrase “guide, guard, and direct us” when a brother petitions God. Are we not aware that God already “guides us” and “directs us” through His Holy Word? Why then, do we need to ask for this? God is not going to guide or direct anyone to do anything, other than through His Word. As for guarding us, God has taken care of this as well. In 1Corinthians 10:13 we are given the “inspired” way in which God has done this. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Let me also point out something many people fail to grasp. Prayer is reserved to those that belong to God. One must be “born” into God’s family before one can call God his/her Father. Jesus told Nicodemus of this in John 3:5 when they met in the evening. Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. One can only be “born” again when they obey the N.T. teaching on becoming a child of God. One must also remain faithful to stay in the proper relationship with God. Jesus also spoke of prayer in Luke 11:1-2 when His disciples asked Him to teach them to pray. And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. 2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Of course the kingdom (the church) had not come at that time, but it has now, so we cannot ask for this. But, we are still to approach God in prayer. In John16:23 Jesus addressed this as well. “In that day” means after His death and the church had begun. And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. This was said directly to the apostles.
This is also a point on which we need to be reminded. When Jesus directed them on prayer, He said they were to ask the Father “in my name” which means by the authority of Christ. One can only ask for things which are authorized in the Word of God, and still be acceptable to God. When we become children of God we become Joint-heirs with Christ per Romans 8:16-17. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
We see in John 4:34 that Christ came to do the Will of His Father and finish God’s Work of Salvation. Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. As God’s children and joint-heirs with Christ, let us also strive to pray in accordance to God’s Will.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
