Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ “For some time, he refused. But finally, he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’ And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:1-8
And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. John 14:13-14
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. John 15:7
What are these passages saying to you? What do these passages say about following Jesus?
We can not grow close to others if we don’t spend time talking to them. Our relationship with God is the same way. We can’t be close to God if we never speak to Him. When we read God’s word, we can hear God. We converse with God through prayer.
Prayer is key to our relationship with God. Prayer is not a religious exercise. Prayer is two-way communication with God.
God hears us when we pray. He listens to us. He even speaks back to us. When we say “In Jesus Name.” We are praying for His will to be done. In John 15:7 says, If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. The Bible and prayer go hand in hand with each other.
Does your prayer life characterize by communion with God or as a religious exercise? What is the difference between communion with God and a religious exercise?
Which do you spend more time in Listening or talking in prayer? Are your prayers more about you and your needs and wants, or are they focused on God and what he wants?
Could these above questions be a balance?
Are your prayers a demonstration of following Jesus or of wanting Him to follow you?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for both your word and prayer as a way to spend time with you. I pray that we will take the time to speak to you and listen to what you have to say. I pray that our prayers are not selfish, but as a means to get to know you more and what your heart desires.
In Jesus Name
Amen
