Text:
James 1:5-8; 5:15-18
Memory Verse:
“The effective and fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16b).
Studies have shown that all men, consciously or otherwise, do pray – they openly or secretly wish or hope that their expectations come true. Prayer is simply making requests to a higher authority and expecting answers therefrom. Ordinarily, when the answer meets our expectation, we celebrate it as positive but when not, we say it is negative. Yet, that ‘negative’ answer may actually be the foundation to a divinely opened door; hence developing a personal relationship with Him is key to knowing His mind at all times! When Potiphar’s wife frame-up landed Joseph into prison,
his main prayer was for God to release him into his father’s arms again (Genesis 40: 14 & 15). Yet, the prison was meant to move him to the palace! Are you going through inexplicable challenges that have defied expected prayer outcomes? Ask for a clearer understanding of God’s plan, such that you can pray right.
Only prayers which agree with God’s plan for an individual or issue hits the target and are answered. Thus, we should seek to know the mind of Him to whom all prayers are directed and from whom we expect answers. The problem arises when we become insistent on our own ways rather than His, as prophet Balaam was (Numbers 23: 19 & 20). Like Balaam, we are mostly driven by personal gains, hence our insistence on certain prayer lines, rather than asking to hear from and obey God. Be consistent, be determined! Let God be prominent during your target setting, decide to run with it, then watch your prayers hit the target!
Prayer Points:
1. Lord, please help me to surrender the target setting to You always.
2. Help me to pray right henceforth, O Lord.
