As a child, I was told that I should put my hands together and close my eyes to pray. So I used to scrunch up my eyes and clench my fingers together to be even more earnest as I asked God for the things on my heart. The harder I worked at praying this way, the more God would answer—or so I thought!
Nehemiah was grieved at the report about his beloved Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1:3-4). His prayer reflected a man who was distraught and distressed, longing to see God’s favor again (Nehemiah 1:4-10). Later, however, he was completely taken aback at the king’s unexpected reply to him. “What on earth do I say now?” he must have wondered. So he quickly fired up a one-liner to God just prior to opening his mouth to speak to the king (Nehemiah 2:4-5). So which of his prayers was better? Which was more sincere and effective?
James wrote, “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results” (James 5:16). But what makes us righteous? Jesus. Our prayer life comes out of our hearts that belong to Him. We can rest in this assurance and allow Him to guide how we pray. I find this reality to be so much better than clenching my fingers ever tighter!
Nehemiah was grieved about Jerusalem because God was also grieved. He prayed to God because he loved Him and wanted to see Him glorified and His people restored, as did God Himself. Then, when he was surprised by the king’s question, all Nehemiah had to do was pray before he spoke, and God’s plan was unfurled as he opened his mouth.
A life available to God will accomplish all kinds of things through prayer, no matter if they’re lengthy and passionate or simply an arrow shot up to heaven in a moment of desperation.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 2 Kings 2:1-12
More:
Read James 5:13-18 and consider why and when we should pray.
Next:
Is your prayer life hampered because you think you should pray only a certain way? What will help you gain more freedom to pray to God often and in different ways?
daisymarygoldr on April 23, 2015 at 5:27 am
Nehemiah was grieved about Jerusalem because God was also grieved. The tears of Jesus weeping over Jerusalem spoke the sorrow of His Father’s heart. Paul the Apostle expressed his grief for Israel and was willing to be cut off from Christ, so his people could be saved.
Are you a person living right with God through Jesus Christ? Then pray for the peace of Jerusalem, for in this lies your prosperity. By praying for the place that God has chosen for His name to be honored, we are praying for the fulfillment of God’s will concerning Christ’s return to set up His kingdom and His righteousness…
We ought to pray what the Lord desires and not in selfish ways, prating like pagans: “How will I meet my needs? Will I have food and drink? Will I have clothes to wear?” All these things God faithfully provides even to the fowls of the air and flowers in the field.
And so, it is not about closing eyes and clenching fingers… the earnest prayers of a righteous person is an expression of the Lord’s will and not his/her personal wish. If your heart is right with God, then your prayer is the voice of His heart. This is why such prayer possesses great power and produces wonderful results.
Gary Shultz on April 23, 2015 at 5:49 am
I do agree daisy. The subject was very clean and clear today. I respond by saying, for me, I find prayer less of a stop and go kind of thing, Ok, at meals and other events I think some timing is wonderful; however, prayer is a continuation of conversation. To be in God’s presence is to be totally aware of God and who you are privileged to be speaking. As I am reminded through the day some times praise, thanks, or maybe a person brought to mind. To be sure a natural, no, a supernatural, link to God, any place any time, but by the Spirit. What a deal. Thank you
samgarey on April 23, 2015 at 11:20 am
Always be honest and truthful and it will all come together. Don’t stop Praying because God loves to hear our prayers.
godlove on April 23, 2015 at 12:18 pm
Thanks very much for this reminder. I must confess that I’m probably one of those whose prayer life is definitely not as full as it should be due to having developped the habit of praying always very formally (clenched fingers, eyes closed, formal order and words). Although I also have a few one-liners once in a while… okay, only in extreme situations!! But I truly believe I can do so much better. As our Father, HE wants us to talk to HIM constantly, every time and everywhere and in every situation: be it a word of thankgiving, a short request for help in a particular situation, or even just a word of praise for his holiness!
russell fralick on April 24, 2015 at 6:30 am
Thanks for your post. This really was the purpose behind the article: to encourage us all that prayer is about spending time with God, getting to know Him more, and as such being available to pray the prayers He wants us to pray, whenever and however we do it. It is about our hearts being close to Him, and that enables us to commune so intimately and thereby reflect His own heart in our prayers back to Him. Be encouraged that praying is every bit an exercise as anything else. You don’t start learning to be a marathon runner by strapping on your running shoes and pounding out 26 miles! Start slowly and exercise carefully and delibrately with your prayer life. That way, our stamina and skill in praying increases day by day as we are in communion with Him.
Winn Collier on April 27, 2015 at 12:05 pm
a friend says that he believes our two greatest prayers are ‘help’ and ‘thank you.’ I like that.