“Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” 1 Thessalonians 5:17–18 (NKJV)
When the purpose of a thing is not known, abuse is inevitable. Apostle Emmanuel Iren once shared a story of attending a three-day, 12-hour prayer meeting as a child. The excitement was there, but when someone asked him what the focus of the prayer was, he couldn’t answer. That’s the reality for many believers today: it is not enough to pray; we must know why we pray (James 4:3).
Many people see prayer as a vending machine to get everything they have always desired. While God does care about our needs and invites us to bring every request before Him (Philippians 4:6), He is more interested in changing us (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Look at Jesus in Gethsemane. He prayed earnestly for the cup of suffering to pass, but the Father did not remove it. Instead, “an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him” (Luke 22:43). The immediate outcome of prayer was not escape, but strength. Prayer shaped Him to face the cross. He was changed!
If there were no requests left to make, would prayer still matter? Absolutely. Prayer is not just asking; it is access. It is a privilege to stand before the God of the universe, to hear His voice, and to partner with His will (Jeremiah 33:3, Ephesians 3:12).
When we read Paul’s prayer for the churches, we see an example of what our priority should be in prayer. His focus for the Ephesian church was that they would have spiritual insight, revelation knowledge, and an understanding of God’s power in the resurrection of Jesus (Ephesians 1:15-23).
If we are always carried away by the things we want God to change, we may never truly experience the joy of fellowship and knowing God’s will. Certain prophets and teachers gathered to minister to the Lord in Antioch, and it was at this meeting that the special call and God’s assignment for Paul and Barnabas was confirmed (Acts 13:1-2).
And here is the beauty: the Spirit Himself helps us pray when we don’t know what to ask (Romans 8:26). Your knowledge is limited; you cannot see five years ahead. But God can. That’s why prayer is surrender, trusting Him to reveal His plans and guide your steps (Jeremiah 33:3).
Do you know what will happen in five years except the Lord shows you? Why then do you think you know the best things to ask for? Trust God to show you His plans in prayer (Jeremiah 33:3). Let the Lord show you His plans and what He has already provided (Genesis 22:13, 2 Kings 6:17).
Dear Child of God, prayer is more than requests, keep this consciousness of reckless abandon as you continue in prayer this week.
Bible Reading Plan: Isaiah 1–3; Galatians 3:21–4:7