Today, we’re going to expand on prayer a bit further. Prayer is a significant part of our relationship with our LORD. We worship through prayer, we praise through prayer, we ask through prayer. We should strive to make our prayers “that sweet aroma” that we are told about in scripture. Prayer emphasizes persistence in faith, humility, and intercession as key components of effective communication with God. Check out these scriptures on prayer: Matthew 6:6-8, Matthew 21:22, James 5:16, and Philippians 4:6-7 are just a few.
So, how do we make our prayers that sweet-smelling aroma to the LORD? Well, when we pray, we should PRAY. Wait? What? When we pray, we should PRAY. Some of you may have heard of this: Praise, Repent, Ask, and Yield. Our prayers should include these elements. Praise, praise the LORD, for He has given us everything. Shouldn’t we, as believers, acknowledge that every time we commune with God? Repent, even as believers, we sin. It’s in our nature. Yes, we are forgiven of our sins by the atoning blood of our savior Jesus. But, we still must acknowledge that sin against God. We must confess and repent of it. The Bible tells us that our prayers can be hindered or blocked because of our sin (Isaiah 59:2, Psalm 66:18, Mark 11:25, James 4:3, and 1John 1:9). Effective prayer, therefore, requires a "short account" with God, where sin is quickly identified, confessed, and abandoned to restore clear communion. Now we can Ask, ask for our needs, and intercede for others. Our LORD wants us to ask for things. He wants to bless us. As long as our motives are pure and glorify Him. Finally, Yield, we yield to His will in our lives. Wherever God puts us, doing whatever He’s asked us to do. As you continue in your prayer life, you’ll find that you will naturally PRAY when you pray. Until next time.
Walk in the guidance of the LORD.
Gary
