Much has been said and reported recently concerning the National Day of Prayer. In our community there was a debate over whether Muslims and members of other religions should participate in public observances. I’ll leave the debate on who should or should not participate in such observances to others more qualified than myself. However, I would like to focus on something that seemed to be overlooked in the media reporting: the topic of prayer itself.
God tells us one of the purposes of prayer is to seek His will in our lives (Matthew 7:7-12).
We are instructed to pray according to the Word of God (1 John 5:14-15) in order that we may know the will of God in specific situations or needs (Colossians 3:1). God tells us that prayer is imperative (Matthew 26:41) and the only way we should request things from Him (James 4:2).
God even goes so far as to tell us how to pray. We are to pray that His will is accomplished in everything (James 4:15), for our daily necessities (Luke 11:3) and for forgiveness for our sins (Matthew 18:21-22).
Much more could be outlined on the topic of prayer because God has much to say on the matter in the Scriptures. How sad it is that so many people today forsake His counsel and instead seek answers elsewhere.
Some may wonder whether it really matters in whose name we offer up our prayers and supplications. They might ask, “Can’t we simply agree to disagree?” (More on that in an upcoming post)
God tells us that it does matter. All our petitions are to be offered up in the name of Jesus Christ (John 14:13-14) – not Mohammed, not Buddha, not Mary, not in the name of mother earth, or one of our dead ancestors, or venerated church leaders of the past. Scripture tells us that Christians have direct access to God through the authority of Jesus Christ Himself.
He is the only way to God. His Word, the Bible, is the only source of truth.
His gospel of salvation whereby we transfer our trust from what we can do to what Christ already accomplished on the cross is the only possible way a sinner like myself can receive eternal life.
I’m not a pastor and I don’t have a theological degree. I’m just a sinner who has been touched by God’s unmerited favor and who recognizes that each and every day of my life must be my own personal day of prayer.
To whom do you pray? We’d like to hear. To God Be The Glory!
Posted by Jeff & Cindy 
