When We Pray

Prayer is not like playing the lottery or wishing upon a magic star. 

It has a specific purpose and flow. 

We often ask Christ for things out of selfish wants and desires. Jesus will not answer prayers that will harm us or those around us. Christ desires for us to ask out of our deepest need. He gives to those who truly seek His provision.

When we ask, we are shaped.

When our prayers stem from a true need the Lord begins to shape us into people who ask according to His will. As we pray, we grow—from being selfish people to selfless people. This is the process and power of praying into Christ’s kingdom. 

“Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)

What is the will of the Father for our lives? Do we pray for these things? Do we even want these things? 

When we are in tune with the Father’s will, when we begin speaking to Jesus Christ through true prayer and petition, we get to know His heart for us and for His world. We begin praying for His will. We come to an agreement with God. We begin partnering with Christ to bring His kingdom to earth. 

When get to that place of praying His will, when we pray kingdom-minded prayers, we can be confident that He not only hears us but will answer these prayers. 

It may not be instantaneous, and it likely will not be answered in the ways we envisioned. However, I can tell you your prayers will be answered with a gracious, joyous ferocity that will be beyond anything you can imagine. They will be answered at the right time and in the right way, which will benefit not only you but all creation. 

This is the God we serve—powerful, gracious, and concerned—not only for each individual but for all of creation.

Let Christ’s people come to Him and join Him with the purpose and desire to see His kingdom come and His will be done. 

This should be the focus of our prayers!