Pray Boldly!

"Prayer is an effort of will."  - Oswald Chambers

It's pretty safe to say that Our Lord was resolute and fearless in his prayer life. He was always in touch with the heavenly Father. Any conflict or differences between his will and God the Father's will was totally non-existent.

Looking back throughout Christian history, great men and women of God have always been uncompromising, practitioners of bold prayers. They never hesitated when stepping inside the throne room of the eternal, bearing their praises, petitions, and expressions of thanks.

There may be some of you who are thinking, "Yeah, right. I've tried praying regularly lots of times before, but nothing ever comes of it. So, what's the use?" I get it. I really do! Actually, you're in pretty good company.

Many others (perhaps like you) have attempted bold praying but flopped. Maybe it's the way you're approaching it that needs a little fine-tuning. Just like a terrible golf swing, it can be improved with a little time, effort, and practice.

To be more productive when it comes to prayer, you need to steer clear of some things that can, and do hinder your prayers from being bold; or confident and brave. Let me share some examples with you.

Distance yourself from a bold prayer life like the proud Pharisee's in Luke 18:9-12. Basically, all he did was say complementary things that were focused only on himself. This is not good! Avoid the type of bold praying like the hypocrite in Matthew 6:1-2, 5.

His top priority, when it came to prayer in public, was mainly to impress others with his religiousness. Of course, there's nothing wrong with public prayer. Jesus didn't prohibit it. But putting on a show for others doesn't help bring the blessings of God into their lives!

One more thing. Try to take it easy on the long, drawn out, and persuasive prayers. Things like empty phrases, and constant repetition doesn't get your name on any special V.I.P list to God's ear. (Matthew 6:7-8). If you and I pray in God's will, he will hear us, believe me.

Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to come boldly before the throne of grace because of God's nature. In other words, we are inspired to come boldly to the throne of grace that we may find mercy and grace to help in time of need.

Honestly, and I think most of you would agree, we all need to pray with more confidence and assurance. God is a prayer-hearing and prayer-answering God. Don't be afraid to bow your head, dig deep inside your heart, and let him know you're there! (Psalm 100:4)

Scripture: Psalm 55:17; Matthew 6:9-14; James 1:6-7; John 14:13; Jude 1:20

Prayer: Dear Jesus, As I confidently draw near to Your throne of grace, I boldly offer up my prayers to You, knowing that You hear each and every one of them, and will answer in Your own merciful and loving way. Amen

Have a blessed Monday!

Hailey