One has to mean it. I remember growing up and doing something that was not exactly nice to my brother and sister (I am sure most of us have been there). And then, after being ratted out to the parents, I was “forced” to give the obligatory apology, the “sorry”, under the breath and includes the roll of the eyes just to satisfy the parents. Everyone knew it was not sincere, yet it satisfied in the moment. Prayer, can be similar to that apology.
This morning I was brought to the passage in James titled “The Prayer of Faith”. After reading the passage, I was reminded of the sincerity that is to accompany our prayer. I even have some notes in my bible from earlier study that identifies the depth to which we are to pray.
“15And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.” – James 5:15 (ESV)
This verse brings home the power of prayer. But not just any prayer, the prayer of faith. When praying, I have to remember that I have to have faith in God to answer those prayers. I have to know and approach God with the knowledge that His will be done in all that we ask for and seek from Him. And that is where my prayer has to be the right prayer and something that I recently explained to someone asking for me to pray for their situation. I have to pray for the will of God and not just for Him to give me the answers I may be looking for. I have to understand that my “want” is of less importance than God’s Will.
“Pray for God’s will with Faith. Remember to pray deeply, not just on the surface. Not our request for action we want, but action for and about God’s Will.” This is the note I have in the margin of my bible in this passage. This is the message of the prayer of faith. It is not about me and what I want. It is about God and His will be done. I have to pray deeply, with the faith that His will be done. He will answer our prayer as He says He will. By praying deeply and for His will to be done, I am prepared for the result of His actions and not looking for the outcome I want.
What kind of prayer are you lifting up to God? Are you going through the motions and giving your obligatory prayer to Him for your wants? What if you were to pray with faith, deeply, and pray for His will to be done?
Trevor's Thoughts 