"You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it."
-Matthew 21:22 (NLT)
We pray whenever we need something. Some of us agonize in prayer, some offer their tears and some pray unceasingly just to make God answer their prayers. But granted that the prayer was answered by God, since God is so willing to bless us (read the Bible), what will be your reaction to it?
In reality, the measure of one's heart and attitude is not only through testings or trials, but even in successes and answered prayers. When God grants our requests, some, or sadly, most of us have reactions that depict the selfishness of our very hearts. That even includes me. And some of us, after receiving God's blessing, forget to thank God.
1. It's because I prayed.
True that when we pray, miracles will happen. Changes will happen. Problems will be solved. Requests will be granted. But that is because God is so good, and that He has wonderful plans for us. His will is good, perfect, and pleasing. Our righteousness doesn't change God; our righteousness comes from our faith in Christ Jesus. Daniel 9:18, We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. It's not about you praying, it's about goodness. God grants because He is merciful, gracious, loving, and willing to bless His people. Sometimes, we don't have to really defend our cause to God. It is by simply admitting our weakness and focusing on God's power that we fully exercise our ability to pray and commune with God. We pray because we are humble, that we believe in God, that we worship and offer Him our praises.
Perhaps it is good to boast the fact that we are praying. Perhaps, prayerful people are better than those who do not pray. But the point is it is always about God. And He knows no favoritism.
2. No thanks.
Apostle Paul said to the Colossians that they should devote themselves into prayer, being watchful and thankful. God deserves praises on answered prayers. And even on unanswered prayers, still God is worthy to be praised because of His great mercy. Remember that His will is perfect for His people; He never plans for us to be harmed. Thus, inability to thank God means selfishness. Sometimes we are so consumed with our joy that we tend to forget about His blessings. Are there things in your life that you can consider as blessings from God that you did not thank of?
3. Out of Focus.
Gifts come in various forms - size, shape, quantity, quality, etcetera. A child who wants a cake for his birthday may receive a cup cake instead due to health issues. Yet most of us tend to focus on our expectations so much that we neglect the blessing that is in other form. Case in point: finances. When God does not answer our prayers regarding our finances, we grumble and complain immediately. But don't you think that God is still worthy to be praised since we are still healthy, still able to earn money? Paradigm shift is the key, parekoi.
Now, praying without faith is merely self-talk. And when we do this, there's a greater chance that we'll lose our focus in God and instead boast in ourselves. And, whether our prayer is granted or not (perhaps it will take time, tomorrow, the next day, next month or year, or decades), we should always give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
1 Thessalonians 5:17
New International Version (©1984)
pray continually;
New Living Translation (©2007)pray continually;
Never stop praying.
English Standard Version (©2001)
pray without ceasing,
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
pray without ceasing;
International Standard Version (©2008)
Continually be prayerful.
GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
Never stop praying.
King James Bible
Pray without ceasing.
American King James Version
Pray without ceasing.
American Standard Version
pray without ceasing;
Bible in Basic English
Keep on with your prayers.
Douay-Rheims Bible
Pray without ceasing.
Darby Bible Translation
pray unceasingly;
English Revised Version
pray without ceasing;
Webster's Bible Translation
Pray without ceasing.
Weymouth New Testament
Be unceasing in prayer.
World English Bible
Pray without ceasing.
Young's Literal Translation
continually pray ye;
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