Rhemalight

Prayer is the most talked about subject in all religions including Christianity but it is also one of the most misunderstood topics. Prayer is and will always remain one of the most important aspects (call it discipline) in our walk as Christians. It is therefore important that we understand its dynamics so that we reap fruits. One who has mastered the art of prayer is so powerful and lethal. He or she is a threat to the kingdom of the enemy and also an asset to the kingdom of God. This is because they can decree and petition God and be sure that they will be answered. It is so frustrating to never have your prayer answers manifest. Some call them bouncing prayers. I have noticed that I receive answers to my prayers on a consistent basis.

I rarely tune into radio stations but while driving last Sunday morning, I happened to land on a radio station (secular) discussing whether the length of prayer mattered. I realized that they didn’t have an idea of what prayer was. To them, prayer is asking. I believe this misconception is due to the fact that the word “pray” is translated “okusaba” in many Ugandan dialects which means “ask”. For one to be concerned about length is to reveal a lack of understanding of what prayer is.

Prayer is not just communication but fellowship with God. Let me explain this. A marriage is relationship but the daily interactions between husband and wife is fellowship. “Silent treatment” which I call stupid is a break in fellowship but not relationship. It is important to build the relationship first with God so that the prayer fellowship grows and results in better answers. The first aspect of relationship is receiving Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. This is like proposing to a lady and receiving a “yes”. The second step is confessing His lordship and salvation. Its parallel is exchanging marriage vows. When you confess Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, you enter into a covenant and a relationship starts.

The relationship must be cultivated. It is important to understand His will, his likes and dislikes and trusting his leadership. This will now benefit the fellowship (prayer). In light of this, 1John 5:12-13, takes on a new revelation. The confidence or assurance we have in prayer is because of the relationship in which we have now known his will and therefore communicate and fellowship with him on His terms. When you fellowship on His terms, He is bound to respond on the terms of the covenant that we are in-the New Testament.

Lack of understanding the relationship has resulted in many folks focusing on the fellowship than on the relationship which has resulted in disappointment. You can’t afford to abuse the relationship by sin and then expect to have a rich productive fellowship where God is excited to answer you. As you develop in this relationship, you will even realize that for some issues, you don’t have to ask of God but demand of your rights just like Peter did in Acts 3.

Fellowship is not just asking but a celebration of relationship. The radio folks didn’t understand this and that is why their concern was length. This was my response to their concern of time.

It is important to understand that Prayer though always used for every communication to God has different types. The shortness of prayer depends on what you have to ask for. Jesus before he died on the cross, spent hours praying and when you read through the gospels, he spent nights praying. At Lazarus’ tomb, his prayer lasted less than a minute. The time you spend praying the prayer of faith is different from the time you may spend in the prayer of consecration. Just like tennis game is different from a soccer match in rules and time, so are the different types of prayers. Lastly, prayer is to God, if one prays for a long time or short time, it is unto their God. Yes, I have prayed for one minute-God have mercy-prayed for an hour and even prayed for a whole night.

How to Cultivate the Relationship.

1. Study God.

When I was courting my wife, I studied her to understand her. We are now married but I still study, search and research her. This never ends. This is even mostly true for God. God who is the alpha and omega has chosen to be in covenant with us. He has decided to make his thoughts known through his words written in his Holy Word. That is why it is important to make scriptures part of you. You understand his MO and also know how to fellowship with him based on His word and not what so and so said. Many folks have no idea of who God is because they have not taken time to find out so they approach him with a biased mind often on the negative side. When I realized a long time ago that God is good and I got that revelation from the word, I chose to rest and no one can deceive me. So I approach him that way. Make the bible your best friend.

1. Fellowship not Asking Marathon

Over time, my request time has dwindled to less than 5 minutes. I spend most of my time loving my King. I spend more time praying in other tongues. I spend more time singing psalms and new songs. That is why I am not concerned about length. Sometimes, it is short while other times, it is long. As you spend time, enjoying the presence, you will receive revelations about your life and the concerns melt away in his presence. Answers sometimes come without asking but because you are in the presence.

1. Separation and Fasting.

Sometimes it is important to move away and dedicate your self to the Lord. In the busyness of life, we get entangled with all the concerns of life. I encourage dedicating time to be alone and fast. I however don’t encourage folks to fast for extended periods of time on the so called dry fast. God is the same before, during and after you fast. Fasting helps you so when you have achieved the purpose, stop. For more on fasting, I recommend a book called, “A commonsense guide to fasting”.