Prayer is the Master Key

Posted on Dec. 11, 2024, 9:35 a.m. by Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre

Prayer is a pillar of the Christian faith. Jesus started His earthly ministry with prayer and ended with prayer. It is often said, “Prayer is the master Key”. The Bible tells us to pray. (Phil.4:6) Prayer is personal communion with a personal infinite God, who is our heavenly Father. True prayer is the whole nature of going out to God in adoration, thanksgiving, confession, supplication and intercession. The Bible instructed that prayer is to be said privately by individual. (Matt.6:6,7) An individual knows the specific area of concern where he wants God that sees the heart, to intervene. Hannah showed a good example of private prayer. She excused herself to pray privately even in a public space. (1 Sam.1:9-12) The Bible commands praying for one another, a mutual intercession prayer as a sign of sharing in the burden of one another. (James.5:16) The Church is to pray for everyone and people in authority both in the Church and in the society. (1 Tim.2:1-2) The elders are to pray over sick person. (James.5:14) Brethren, let it be known that when a person prays on his own, he is expressing obedience to the word of God that says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God” (Phil.4:6) Praying personally is an expression of confidence in God. A sign of one’s dependence on God. It also expresses reliance and total submission to God. The Bible says, when we submit to God, devil is being resisted and the devil will flee. (James.4:7) Prayer is expressing one Spirit with Jesus Christ. “For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.” (Eph.2:18) The Spirit that gives the boldness to approach the throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Heb.4:16) Brethren, it is a great blessing to pray for yourself and abundant reward when you intercede for others. When you pray, pray in the name of Jesus. This does not mean merely to attach Jesus name at the end of your prayers, but it means you should abide in Him. (John,15:5-7) You should pray in humility. Humility in words and deeds that gives honor and adoration to God. (Luke.11:2) Hannah prayed a fervent and effective prayer in honor and humility. She did not shout, but spoke in her heart. The Scripture says, “Now Hannah spoke in her heart, only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard” (1 Sam.1:13) Jesus warned His believers not to pray like the Pharisees. (Matt.6:7) Focus on God and avoid meaningless words. It is also important that you pray believingly. “Whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” (Matt.21:22) Pray with the mind that you have received what you prayed for. It is an expression of faith and the Bible says, “without faith it is impossible to please Him.” (Heb.11:6a) The Lord says, “Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.” (Jer.29:12) God sees our hearts. He knows what we need as individual, He only wants us to ask. The bible tells us also, that the Holy Spirit helps in our weakness when we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us according to the will of God. (Rom.8:26,27) Therefore, we should not think or believe that we do not know how to pray, or that our prayer is not good enough and then begin to seek for prayers here and there. Evangelism Share the amazing grace that saves your soul. Tell someone about the truth. Jesus is still saving souls. Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre