Prayer Premise 1

By Ifeoluwa Fatoki

Devotional Reading: “Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name.’” (Mat 6:9 NAS)

Prayer is one of the most-discussed themes in the Christian faith, yet the results around us reveal that it is not very understood. Take for instance, the fact that people stop praying on an issue, or seek other alternatives outside prayer, points to the fact that many do not really understand prayer.

Results come when we understand prayer. It is also noteworthy that nobody stops what works, so if prayer really works for us, we will only continue in it.

However, when prayer does not work for us, the fact that it works for others already confirms that the fault is not with God. We must rather seek to know where we have gone wrong. And the first question we must answer is this “what is the premise of prayer?”’

Our anchor text answers that clearly. Prayer must be premised on a relationship with God. While Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He told them to approach God as Father. For unbelievers, this is a call to salvation, but to believers, it is a call to confidence borne out of our relationship with Him. So beloved, when next you pray, remember to approach God as Father.

Prayer and Confession
Dear Father, thank You for bringing me into a loving relationship with You. I therefore approach prayers with the consciousness of my relationship with You, amen.

Further Reading: Matthew 6:7-11