Kota Kemuning Church of Christ

Can’t I Just Pray?

Yes, Do Make A Habit of Praying 

Of course you can. Praying to the Father for the brethren and others, including for our enemies, is commanded (Ephesians 6:18; 1 Timothy 2:1-4; Matthew 5:44) and taught by approved example (Genesis 20:17; Acts 20:17, 36). 

Christians should make a habit of personal prayer, when alone (Matthew 6:5-6) or with family around the meal-table. However, there is also the option of having a service of prayer, when brethren come together simply to focus on praying for specific needs, like those who met in the home of Mary, mother of John Mark, to pray for the apostle Peter, then imprisoned (Acts 12:5, 12). 

We serve others whom we pray for when we care enough to find out details of their immediate needs, to the extent they are comfortable revealing details of a medical condition, financial predicament and similar challenges. 

Serving requires scheduled regularity, preparation and keeping track of the results of group prayer. As important as supplication or asking God is thanking Him for His providential response to our requests. 

Also, those who pray must study God’s word so that they know God’s will concerning what they are specifically praying for (1 John 5:14). For availing prayer, they should also see to it that their lives are righteous before God (James 5:16). 

We often hear of “the power of prayer”, but forget that acquiring any “power” comes at a cost,- of a disciplined preparation and use of that power in selfless service to those who need it (who often cannot do it themselves and await to say “Amen” to prayers we lead). But, tapping on the incomparable bounty that is our Father’s by asking from Him, the Giver of good gifts (James 1:17), is valuable service to the needy indeed! 

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