When you interact with small children, you learn that they don’t stop to filter their mouths. Whatever they think; they speak. If they like you, you will know and if they don’t, you will know that too. As children get older, they learn that they cannot say everything that comes into their minds. So now they know that if they want something that they have to ask.
As people of faith, if we want something from God, we have to ask. Now, like everything you do, there is a correct way and an incorrect way. In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus was teaching on prayer. He began by telling His audience what prayer is not. He said, “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get.” Verse 5.
Hypocrites are people who act in a way that goes against what they believe. So their actions cannot be trusted. It’s quite possible that they don’t even believe that God answers prayer, but they want you to think of them in a certain way so they do things so others could see. God does not pay any attention to that kind of prayer.
He also told them, “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again.” Verse 7. Again, Jesus cautioned His listeners about poor practices during prayer. There are those who behave that God is slow to understand so they repeat themselves continually. That kind of prayer would have the same response as the hypocrite’s prayer; God would not hear.
Sometimes, people of faith get frustrated because they believe that God is not answering their prayer. It’s not that God wants to be distant and ignore you when you pray; He wants you to ask in the right way. Jesus said, “So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.” Matthew 7:11. God wants to answer your prayer but you have to change your approach.
Thought for Today: Friend, that is not the way to pray.
Have a blessed day and walk in faith and victory.
Victory Walk 