“And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” ( KJV Luke 11:9.)

“Prayer is a habit of attention brought to bear on all that is.” – Patricia Hampl. Having an attention habit means focusing our minds on one single aspect. The first step in prayer is to acknowledge that God is God. In this resolution, we wholeheartedly focus on His sovereignty and unfailing love, knowing that He will answer when we call. “And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” (KJV Luke 11:9.)

Recognizing who God is evokes a humble admission of our failures, weaknesses, and limitations. Forcing us to fall on our knees in prayer before the only One who can respond to our human vulnerability with infinite mercy. “Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.” (KJV Psalm 107:6.)

If we truly love the Lord and others, we will pray earnestly not just for ourselves but also for those around us. In the first chapter of Nehemiah, we see his heartfelt prayer to God after hearing about the suffering of the Jews and their homeland in Jerusalem. “Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father’s house have sinned.” (KJV Nehemiah 1:6.)

Nehemiah prayed day and night for God’s people, and God answered by giving him favor with the king. This allowed Nehemiah to go to Jerusalem and help those in need. God always answers our prayers in line with His will. As (KJV 1 John 5:14) says, “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.”

Who are you praying for today? I think of the lyrics of a familiar gospel song: “Somebody prayed for me, had me on their mind, they took the time and prayed for me. I’m so glad they prayed.” Thank God that He puts us all on the hearts of those who will diligently pray. Will you listen when He calls, and you feel that gentle nudge to pray for a friend, neighbor, pastor, loved one, or anyone else? Prayer is one of the greatest gifts we can give to others.

So, my Friends, let’s commit to steadfast prayer not only for ourselves but for others, because there is power in prayer! “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” ( KJV James 5:16) God is faithful, and He will answer!

Blessings and peace to all.