And now about prayer!
Matthew 6:5-13
When the disciples asked Jesus for directions on how to pray, our Master took the effort to teach them some basic principles that constitute an effective prayer life. These principles are also applicable to our generation as Christians.
He began like this, “when you pray”, assuming that the disciples had a regular praying time. Today many of us are busy with our careers, business, marriages, relationships, education etc. and as such we forget to make time to pray. We are lacking the very principle that can unlock doors and possibilities and make us successful – regular prayer time.
The Master continued by encouraging us to build a healthy relationship with God. We need to create an atmosphere to pray to God always. Let’s get away from all forms of things that distract us (phones, TV, noise, friends, family etc.) and welcome God’s presence daily in a peaceful and quiet place alone (privacy).
When praying, we must also mean what we say and avoid vain repetitions. We should not be deceived for God is not impressed by long pious words, neither is He interested in simple, sloppy prayers. We ought to grow in our prayers and enjoy God’s presence around us.
Parents are frustrated when their children do not tell them what exactly they want from them. It’s the same with our heavenly Father; Jesus urges us to be more specific, telling God exactly how we feel because God already knows our needs. We are looking at a Father who only wants to draw his children closer to himself and as such demands that we pour out our feelings to him in sincerity.
In conclusion, as we desire to succeed in everything and to see the glory of God in our lives, we must not forget that there is a need to draw closer to God in prayer. And we must not just pray but pray to get results by applying the basic principles of praying regularly, alone with God, from a sincere heart and be more specific in what we want and say.