13 “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”
Effectual, fervent prayer, seriously, is there anything more difficult? To go into a room and close the door and pray to the Father who is unseen sounds simple and blessedly rewarding enough yet I find that it all too often takes more effort and skill to stay on task than I apparently possess. Something tells me I am not alone in this. Indeed, the disciples wanted the Lord Jesus to teach them the secret of His achieving prayer after observing Him model a life of it. We find their request in Luke:
1 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples." Luke 11:1 (NIV)
Our Lord was constantly praying in Scripture – He could be found both rising early as well as praying through the night. He certainly prayed prior to or at every major event of His life – His baptism, His choosing of the disciples, in the garden prior to His betrayal and even on the cross – setting forth for us an example that we would all do well to follow. Paul tells the Thessalonians:
17 pray continually; 1 Thess 5:17 (NIV)
James adds to this:
The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16 (NIV)
It is God’s desire for us to have continual communication with Him in the midst of our daily living. In our verses for today, Jesus was basically telling His disciples – who were also His closest earthly companions – how they would stay in touch with one another after His soon to be departure. They would derive power from Him when He had gone to His Father’s side through prayer and petition with thanksgiving. They would send forth their prayers and Jesus would communicate to them by the Spirit.
“Life is war. That’s not all it is. But it is always that. Our weakness in prayer is owing largely to our neglect of this truth. Prayer is primarily a wartime walkie-talkie for the mission of the church as it advances against the powers of darkness and unbelief. It is not surprising that prayer malfunctions when we try to make it a domestic intercom to call upstairs for more comforts in the den. God has given prayer as a wartime walkie-talkie so that we can call headquarters for everything we need as the kingdom of Christ advances in the world. Prayer gives us the significance of frontline forces and gives God the glory of a limitless Provider. The one who gives the power gets the glory. Thus, prayer safeguards the supremacy of God in missions while linking us with endless grace for every need.” John Piper
Remember, Scripture states that Jesus is our great High Priest who sits at the right hand of the Father living to intercede for us:
24 but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Heb 7:23-25 (NIV)
16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Heb 4:16 (NIV)
There are a few tips that I have found beneficial in my prayer life and you may perhaps discover they are beneficial to you r prayer life as well:
1. I find that there are many ways to offer prayer and all are just as necessary and important. It is essential to have our time alone with the Lord – in the closet so to speak – pouring out our inmost thoughts and concerns. Sometimes in our deepest heart matters it is simply best to just let Jesus know – He most certainly can take it. Jesus tells us in Matthew: 6 “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matt 6:6 (NIV)
It is also important to pray with others. I find it helpful to pray with the person as soon as I receive a request or desire a request myself from another – this keeps me from forgetting to pray as well as having the high privilege of corporate prayer. Again, Jesus tells us in God’s Word: 19 "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Matt 18:19-20 (NIV)
Other times I pray throughout the day as the thoughts arise – perhaps it is to praise Him or thank Him, perhaps He brings someone to mind for me to pray for. I seek to respond quickly to this though sadly I all too often fail. I am confident I neither praise nor thank the Father a fraction of what He is due. King David rightly proclaims: 21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever. Psalms 145:21 (NIV)
2. I seek to pray back God’s Word. He is always faithful to His promises. Hiding His Word in my heart helps keep it always at hand. Scripture is full of promises to pray for ourselves and for our families. One of my favorites is found in Colossians where Epaphras prays for the Church at Colosse to stand firm in all of God’s will mature and fully assured. Contrary to popular belief, the center of God’s will is exactly where we want to be – and where we want all we whom we love to be - whether we know it or not. It is the place of perfect peace no matter what the circumstances – it is the safe place. Paul writes: Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. Col 4:12 (NIV)
3. I seek to remember to thank God for His answers. Unfortunately, it is easy to take things for granted. God enjoys it when His children are appropriately thankful for what His hand bestows. Journaling your prayer requests is an easy way to keep up with the answers received for your petitions. Again Paul tells us: 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess 5:18 (NIV)