MISTAKES TO AVOID IN PRAYER

Lying in the floor, curled up in the fetal position, crying so uncontrollably that you can barely catch your breath.

Or better yet, walking past a mirror, face stoic, body posture rigid, heart harder than iron and colder than ice.

Does this scenario sound familiar or am I the only one that has experienced this (more than one time I might add)?

These are two emotions on the opposite end of the spectrum, both as a result of frustration.

Frustration - the feeling of being upset or annoyed, especially because of the inability to change or achieve something; the prevention of the progress, success, or fulfillment of something.

Frustration is an intense feeling that has eluded no-one. Frustration is so bold that it will walk into a billionaire's mansion, it will camp on the shoulder's of a vagabond, and climb into the crib of a toddler.

Frustration is daring, intrepid, unflinching and ballsy to say the least. Frustration should be renamed "audacity." Especially when frustration convinces you that your prayers go unheard.

There are countless teachings on prayer and how to pray, who to pray to, what to pray, etc. but why are so many individuals living defeated, subpar, curled up in a ball crying hysterically or walking around cold hearted, when we have a portal to The Divine?

A portal is a doorway, gate or other entrance. We have access to our Creator through prayer but why often times are our prayers unanswered?

I've put together a short list of why I believe prayers go unanswered.

Number one - God is not moved by tears or need. The Supreme only responds to faith.

Before you even go to God in prayer, you must first believe that He Is..., The All Powerful, The All Knowing, The Almighty, The Great I Am, The Source, He Is able to do that which you ask.

Often we think because of the severity of the situation, the Omniscient should be inclined to answer our prayers quickly. Furthermore, we tend to think if we plead, beg, sob etc. God will react speedily.

Number two - how can you add power to The Omnipotent? You can't.

You have to recognize that in and of yourself, on your own volition, it simply cannot be done.

If you are indeed able to perform that which you request in prayer, then why are you approaching the Throne of Grace in the first place?

Number three - thinking that you need to twist God's arm with eloquence of speech, cleanliness of hands, or manipulation of words.

God is compassionate, merciful and full of love for you. There is a parable in the Bible that says something like if a child asks his father for food to eat, no father would give his child rat poison, so why would we think our Heavenly Father would not give us what we ask of Him?

Which leads me to number four - believing we get what we deserve.

Speaking for myself, I deserve at least a spanking at most corporal punishment. If we got what we deserved, God forbid what mankind would look like.

The Lord is merciful, rich in mercy, His mercy triumphs over judgement, His mercies are renewed fresh every morning.

Understanding this will give you confidence, boldness and assurance.

Fourth, probably the most uncomfortable on my list, being silent.

If we are always talking how can we ever know what the answer is?

It's been said that Our Creator gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason.

Elohim is always talking but are we listening? In quietness and confidence shall be our strength.

Finally number five on my list "therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them."

ASK, BELIEVE, RECEIVE.

Asking is the first principle. Followed by believing. Lastly, receiving. This is the only time we are required to do something in order to attain an answer to prayer.

We have to "labor to enter into His rest." We have to work at, exert conscious effort into resting.

The swimming instructor teachers that only when we relax our bodies is when we can float.

Expectation (desire and belief) is knowing it is going to come. Patience is releasing the need to know when.

"To lose patience is to lose the battle." - Gandhi

At some point we have to trust. While you are reading this, if you are sitting in a chair, have you one time thought "oh my goodness I sure hope this chair can hold the weight of my body", or are you so afraid of the chair giving out that you can't concentrate on what I'm saying?

No, I'm confident this hasn't crossed your mind one time until I directed your attention to it. The chair is an inanimate object that we trust so how much more should we trust The Deity of The Sovereign?!

Having confidence in The Eternal One answering our prayers is foundational. It is the unwavering belief that God is not only present in our lives but also actively listening and responding to our needs and desires.

This confidence is a deep conviction that our prayers are not in vain, but rather powerful conduits of communication with The Divine. With this confidence, we can approach God with open hearts, knowing that He will provide guidance, comfort, and blessings in accordance with His divine plan.

This is the unwavering faith that will provide a source of comfort and strength, especially during times of difficulty and uncertainty.

YOU ARE DESIGNED TO REIGN IN LIFE

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