Title The secret of answered prayer
Contents
The secret of answered prayer (Matthew 7:7-12)
The word “prayer” is the Greek word “proshkomai”, which means “to plead” or “to worship”. We must remember that this single word prayer has two meanings. pleading and worshiping. In other words, pleading and worship are not different, they are the same.
Let's look at the three words of Jesus about answers to prayers:
First, the Lord said to ask.
To ask means to keep in your heart a strong desire for something you want. The first condition for believers to receive answers to their prayers is a strong desire for answers. The word to ask is ask in English, which means 'to ask for, ask for', but it can also mean 'to ask, ask' and 'invite'. If we interpret ‘ask’ according to the meaning of this ask, a person who has a strong hope of answering prayer must first invite God to the field of his life. That is, we must stand before God. And it means that we should earnestly ask God, who is a true wise man, comforter, and counselor, on what to do to solve the difficult and difficult problems of life. This is the meaning of ask. This is a saving attitude.
Second, the Lord said to seek.
The word to seek means the behavioral attitude of the person praying. The word seek refers to the action of constant and faithful pursuit. If you have a strong desire for an answer to prayer in your heart, it means that you need to specifically look for an answer in action. If you find it, you must find it. The Lord has already given to those who ask. But our spiritual eyes are dark and we cannot find it.
Third, the Lord said to knock.
If asking to ask is the attitude of the prayer and seeking is an attitude of action, knocking can be said to be a determined attitude that contains strong determination and perseverance in the prayer that ‘I will receive an answer’. We can only imagine the patient's patience to knock until the door is opened. There are four principles in prayer. First, expect, secondly, pray, and thirdly, wait, and fourthly, miracles will happen.
But before Jesus taught the lesson of prayer to ask, seek, and knock, in chapter 6, “Do not be afraid, saying, ‘What shall we eat, or what shall we drink, or what shall we wear. These are all the Gentiles seek.” He said, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness. And all these things will be added to you.” That's right. We must first seek the kingdom and righteousness of God in order to receive answers to our prayers. Continuing, Jesus said, “Do not judge others” in 7:1 as a point to be aware of when praying. That is, do not judge others with prayerful lips. This criticism means condemnation and curse. In other words, do not pray while cursing, condemning, and hating others.
Finally, Jesus said in Matthew 7:12, “Therefore, treat others as you would like them to treat you. This is the law and the prophets.' If you want to receive answers to your prayers, treat God and treat your neighbors. Dear brothers and sisters, do you want to be treated by God? So, please treat God first. Do you want to be treated by your neighbors? So, please treat your neighbors first. This is the law, and this is the message of the prophets.
Dear believers who want to receive answers to prayers, first seek the kingdom of God and righteousness. We must not pray with resentment, envy, and hatred toward others. Forgive and bless. And serve God by asking, seeking, and knocking, and treat your neighbor. If you do, the answers to your prayers will come from God and you will be treated. You will also be treated by your neighbors.