Luke 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
Various commands/encouragements to pray:
The Scriptures speak much about praying – don’t give up, without ceasing, pray with all prayer, pray with understanding, don’t use vain repetitions, pray in your closet and etc. Jesus told the parable of the unjust judge to encourage us not to give up praying and petitioning God. Praying is an important part of the Christian’s life and practice.
What hinders our prayers?
There are numerous things that can prevent us from receiving our petitions or even being heard by God when we pray. Praying with the wrong motives will invite a “no response” from God. Regarding iniquity in our heart will prevent us from being heard (Psa 66:18). Refusing to forgive another will bring us into disfavor and unanswered prayer. Lack of faith and trust in God prevents answers from coming to us (Jam 1:6-7). Spiritual forces can also hinder our prayers and delay their coming to us (Daniel’s answer was hindered for three weeks).
Is there a guaranteed way to pray and receive answers?:
Many have tried to say that if you do “thus and so” that you are guaranteed answers to your prayers – with the emphasis on getting what you want. John tells us that if we ask according to His will we know He hears us (1 Jn 5:14). John also says that if we meet certain conditions we can have confidence in receiving what we pray for (1 Jn 3:22). Jesus mentions about prayer in Jn 15:17. In both cases of receiving what we ask, the condition is abiding in Christ or keeping His commands and doing all things that please Him. Does that mean that we can confidently ask Him anything and receive it? Does the sovereignty of God come into the picture when we pray?
Why did Jesus tell us to pray and not give up? Was it so we would definitely receive our petitions? When God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac did He really want a sacrifice of Isaac or was it a test for Abraham? After Abraham passed the test and God said, “Now I know. . .” did He really not know before or was t to show Abraham what was in his heart?
Variables in prayer:
When we are praying for various matters, people or personal matters, there are numerous variables that we need to take into account when considering answers to our prayers.
- When praying for people, God has limited His working within the parameters of the will of the one being prayed for. God has chosen to give us a free will and He will not impose upon our will. We must willingly surrender to Him. He does try to convince and prepare situations and circumstances to persuade us (Ex 23:28).
- God’s time and timing may involve a delay or surprise in the answer to our prayers. God has control and supervision over the entire universe and all people. He sets up kings and takes down kings (Dan 2:21). The timing may not be right for an answer in the sovereignty of God (Gen 15:13-16).
- Our humanity may get in the way of the answer to our prayers. Not our stubbornness or carnality but the human fallenness that prevent us from discerning God’s will when we pray (Ro 8:26-27).
- The inevitable judgment of sinfulness can prevent prayers from being answered (Jer 7:12-16).