The desire and discipline of a prayer lifestyle
In the Gospel of Matthew 6:5-8, Jesus (aka the Greatest Intercessor) shared this truth:
“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
When we hear the word habit, we tend to think of something we need to BREAK! But there are habits, which if employed, can lead to BREAKTHROUGH!
Here’s a simple but profound truth: You cannot have a strong relationship with God without the powerful habit of prayer! Prayer is the basis is which we talk to God and keep connected with Him. When you practice daily prayer into your lifestyle, you can expect to reap the many rewards it offers.
Notice in Matthew 6:5-8 what Jesus says: “Then Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” The reward is not only in answered prayer, but also in the seeking of God’s presence in prayer! The enemy of our souls tries to convince us that if we did not get the answer to our prayers yet or the answer we desired – then God really is not rewarding us. NOT SO! God rewards those who diligently seek Him. Right now, God is waiting to reward you just for praying!
Here is one example among many that shows us that the rewards of prayer are limitless! Theologians and scholars cannot adequately quantify the many rewards that result in prayer. Intercessors cannot qualify the many ways God rewards those who discipline themselves in the powerful habit of prayer.
Scripture does tell us: “…for your Father know what you need before you ask him” (Matthew 6:8). God knows your business before you even share it! And He wants to be in your business, your affairs and your life. The greatest reward you could ever ask for in prayer is the reward of His presence. When you have Him, you have the Source of what you need.
Ryan E. Faison is the College and Young Adults Pastor at Christ Church in Montclair & Rockaway, NJ & Executive Director of Young Adults United (YAU). Twitter: @RyanFaison