Prayer... when we feel like?! (Part 2)

 

Part 2 of the Who, What, When, Where and Why of Prayer

The When and Where of prayer:

In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (HCSB) it asks us to "Pray constantly." That does not leave much room for not praying. This could be as often as breathing, which we also do constantly. You may be saying that you don't have that kind of "time commitment" but the good news is that prayer can be done anywhere and at anytime. 1 Timothy 2:8 asks for "men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing." 

**It is important to note that we are to pray "without anger or disputing". Why? Because we need to remember that if we are living in anger or fighting with others, we most likely have not granted them forgiveness. Remember that when we do not forgive, how can God forgive us? Our unforgiveness and anger towards others hinders not only God forgiving us but also hearing our prayers. (Matthew 6:14,15; Mark 11:25)

^"If I had cherished iniquity in my heart,
   the Lord would not have listened."

Psalm 66:18

"but your iniquities have made a separation
   between you and your God,
and your sins have hidden his face from you
   so that he does not hear."

Isaiah 59:2

The Why of prayer: 

The Good News: Through Jesus Christ, God's One and Only Son, He has made it possible for us to not only pray, but for God to be able to hear our prayers; once we have truly asked for forgiveness and seek repentance.

Why are we praying? First, we are praying in response to such a great sacrifice. We have come to understand it and are praying for others to do the same. We do this through following Christ's example of intercessory prayer (which He does constantly on our behalf) for others. Secondly, once we have given our lives to Christ, we have a new desire to spend all our time in the presence of such a Holy and Loving God. (Psalm 84)

*Scriptures are taken from the NIV unless otherwise indicated*