PRAYER THAT IS PLEASING TO THE LORD

I believe the kind of prayer that most pleases God is very simple and easy to understand. It is so simple that a little child can pray in a way that pleases Him.

The disciples said to Jesus, "Lord, teach us to pray" (Luke 11:1). They would not have asked unless they had wanted to learn. I believe that most who are reading this message would love to be faithful in prayer, but they do not know how. They simply do not understand the purpose of prayer and until they grasp this vital purpose, they will never be able to maintain a fulfilled, meaningful life of prayer.

Many Christians pray only out of a sense of obligation. They think of prayer as something they are "supposed" to do. Others pray only when tragedy strikes or when a crisis befalls them and then they do not pray again until the next difficulty comes along.

Prayer is not just for our benefit, but for the delight of our God! We are not just to intercede for things we need, but to ask for the things He desires. Unless these two elements go together, we do not have a foundation upon which to build a prayer life. Whereas we seek relief and help from the Lord, He desires fellowship with us—intimacy and communion.

"Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on” (Matthew 6:25).

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take no thought for the morrow. . . ." (6:33-34).

"For your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him" (6:8).

God is saying to us: "When you come into My presence, focus your attention on fellowship with Me, on getting to know Me. Don't let your focus be on material things. I know what your needs are so you don't even have to ask. I willl take care of them all. Just seek Me. Let us enjoy sweet communion!"