Don't Just Stand There - Pray Something!

Why pray? Some say, “I just do not feel like praying.” Well, the Scriptures command us to pray whether we feel like it or not. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication (be specific) with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Phil. 4:6). This means to let your requests be made known unto God whether you feel like it or not. Unsaid requests remain unknown. Prayer pleases God. Prayer is not only expected, but it is essential. Has God answered prayers? Yes! Then keep praying. Do you have unanswered prayers? Yes! Then keep praying. John Rice said, “If you want your prayers answered, want what God wants.” He also said, “In Heaven you may see many unopened gifts. Then you notice your name on many gifts. You ask, “Why didn’t I receive my gifts?” An angel could respond, “You did not ask.” “You have not because you ask not” (James 4:2). Note ASK: “Ask, and it shall be given you; Seek, and ye shall find; Knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Mat 7:7). You receive because you ASK. So keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking until ye receive. Prayer is a powerful force to God who is able to respond to your needs. “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Eph. 3:20).

God is always only a prayer away. God answers prayers with either “Yes,” “No,” “Not now,” or “You must be kidding” (smile). Also we need to intercede on behalf of others as we may be the only one praying for them. Remember prayer can go where we cannot go and can do what we cannot do. Others pray to gods with mouths that speak not: eyes that see not: ears that hear not (Psa. 115:6). But we have an Almighty loving God who sees, hears, speaks, and answers our prayers. Also, it seems there is more power when more pray (Matt. 18:19-20). James states three powerful prayers. (1) Personal (5:13), (2) Public (5:16), (3) Private (5:17). “Ye have not because ye ask not.” Consider the alternative or the reverse: Ye have because ye ask! Unsaid prayers are unheard and unanswered. The greatest enemy of prayer is silence. When in doubt – pray. When hope is lost – pray. So when you don’t feel like praying – pray. You will never regret praying, but you can regret not praying. So simply pray and “Let your requests be made known unto God.” You could soon receive your unopened gift! So don’t just stand there – pray something.