Points to Note
- Our prayers should be addressed to the Father in the name of the Son (John 14:13) with the help of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26).
- The posture of prayer can be every position we could think of.
- We can pray to God any time (Luke 18:1). Effective intercession, however, often requires regular, even prolonged praying.
- We can pray to God at any place (1 Timothy 2:8). It is wonderful to be assured and aware of His constant presence with us wherever we may be.
So then, posture, time, or place are not what makes prayer.
What is important is the attitude of our hearts towards God. Jesus said ‘God is Spirit and his worshippers must worship in spirit and in truth’ (John 4:24).
God May Say ‘No’
Why does God say no when we earnestly asking Him to say yes?
- God may say ‘No’ when He has something better planned for us.
Has God ever done this for you – said no to your request and then later you saw how He had something better planned for you?
- God may say ‘No’ when it is not His will.
This was experienced by Paul (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). His request was not granted but God assured Paul of His sustaining grace to meet this continuing trial.
- God may say ‘No’ when it is not His time.
His answer may be delayed as a test of our faith. Or He may have further work to do in us, before He can use us in the way we are asking Him to do (James 1:6-8, 1 Peter 1:6-7).
