Real Prayer

I often ponder this question: What is real prayer? Is it praying for things, and when you get them, or not, you stop praying? The Bible tells me that Jacob wrestled with God and said, “I won’t let go until you bless me” (see Genesis 32:26).

Remember, Jacob was a sinner like we are; he cheated his brother out of his birthright. Yet when we, like Jacob, meet God, our lives will never be the same. We need to wrestle with God in prayer and never let go until He blesses us.

Prayer is not a strategy to get things from God or obtain blessings. Rather, it is the means of deepening an intimate relationship with our Creator.

We speak to Him as a Friend, opening our hearts to Him and engaging in conversation with Him. We give Him praise and share with Him our fears and secret desires as well as our successes. How many of us, when faced with a challenge, quickly run to friends (who don’t always have our best interest at heart) to share with them our fears or dreams? God should be the first with whom we share what is in our hearts. We need to pray continuously. Let us never forget that prayer does not bring God down to us but brings us up to Him. Prayer is also the key to the strengthening of our faith. Life without prayer is empty. No, prayers are not always answered as we wish, but God has our best interest at heart. God does not give us everything we ask for, but He blesses us with things we need. So if His answer is no or wait, don’t worry, for the best is yet to come. My prayer, as we walk through life with all the challenges we face in this world, is that we will draw closer to Him than ever before. We live in a generation of corruption, violence, disrespect, and injustice. It appears the world is facing calamity.

So what greater need could we have for staying in prayer before it’s too late? My prayer is, Lord, teach us to pray, and let us find favor in Your sight. We have sinned and come short of the glory of Your kingdom.

Please have mercy upon us, Lord.

Amen.

Deborah Matshaya