Prayer is the breath of every Christian, but how many Christians are actually praying. Some do not pray at all, some pray at times of trial and some pray regularly and systematically. But why do we pray? God knows everything and He is the provider of good tidings without distinction between good and evil doers. When God is bestowing His blessing on all mankind, then what is the need for man to pray? If  we believe this, then what is the reason behind our Lord Jesus Christ teaching His disciples to pray? And what did it mean for Jesus to climb up the mountain in the early hours of the morning to pray?

What is a Prayer?

Prayer is nothing but talking to God. God dwells in our hearts in the form of Spirit. Our Body & Soul accommodates the Spirit of God. This Spirit of God needs a conducive atmosphere to extend relationship with God. If a man is keeping himself holy, renewing his spirit daily, then the Holy Spirit within him is having a conducive atmosphere to build up relationship with God. Bible says that whomsoever acknowledges Jesus as Christ, they have the spirit of God.

Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit. – 1 Cor 12:3

Wicked do Pray

In other words those who do not acknowledge Jesus as Christ, they do not have the spirit of God. If a person is evil, Satan dwells in him comfortably. From his comfort zone he lifts up his voice and speaks to God. In Luke 8: 31 & 32 demons had sought permission from God to enter into the herd of pigs. We see in Job chapter 1 & 2 that Satan stands in the presence of God to seek permission to test Job. Revelation 12:10 explains that Satan accuses our believers day and night in the presence of God and He, answers the prayers of Satan too. In Mark Chapter 5, Satan does not want to leave a particular place and asks Jesus’ permission to enter into the pigs in the same region. Jesus granted Satan’s wish. The wicked do not pray for salvation but for their protection and livelihood. In Genesis Chapter 4, Cain pleads to God.

“Behold, you have driven me today away from the ground, and from your face I shall be hidden. I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” ¹⁵ Then the Lord said to him, “Not so! If anyone kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.” And the Lord put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him.” Genesis 4: 15-16

In verses 23 & 24 we find Lamech getting a protection that is ten times more than Cain. Wicked of our times would have claimed countless times of protection for their lives.

Christians do not pray

Abel miserably failed in his prayer. He had an optimum satisfaction of his offering as God accepted that. We Christians are satisfied with our worship, regular Sunday services, prayer meetings, offerings etc. and fail to pray for our protection. Job was a prayerful man and God asked Satan not to lay his hands on his life.

Dominion Lost

The world is now in the hands of Satan. When Adam and Eve disobeyed they lost dominion over the world and Satan deceptively snatched it from them. Satan is pursuing mankind to worship him directly or indirectly to possess the things of this world. In Luke chapter 4  we find Satan offering Jesus a chance to worship him. And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.” Luke 4:8. Jesus did not question his authority over the world.  ^“We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” 1 John 5:19. Because of this reason, Jesus taught us to pray.

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

Dominion Regained

Jesus died for our sins and redeemed the world from the clutches of Satan.

^“He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.^” Col 5:15.

Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. – Now it is our turn to pray and fulfill the will of God on the earth. We have the dominion over the world again by His grace through our faith. Through prayer we can overcome Satan’s strategies.

Give us our daily bread – there are negative elements around the world that prevent  our daily blessing.

Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors – there are people whose livelihood are met by means of disputes among people. They may also pray for such situation to linger on. A money lender would always want people to be poor so that people may come to him.

Lead us not to temptation – As we have seen in Matthew Chapter 4 Jesus is tempted , there are elements that plead permission from God to tempt and torment us.

Deliver us from evil – Our God is able to cater to all the needs of mankind.  If we pray, our God is faithful to protect us under His arms. Our God is able to change the lives of those wicked too.

When to pray?

The Old Testament teaches us to pray in the early hours. But Paul encourages us to keep God in the picture every time. Though He knows our life, we should update Him of our emotions & anxieties. Talk to him as a good friend. Narrate everything you come across. (John 15:15)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Phil 4:6

Human mind can do many things at one time. In our day to day life, we grumble in our mind when doing something which we do not like.We must turn those grumbles into prayers to be in communion with God every moment. When Jesus prayed, His garments became white as snow when He was transfigured. We will also have the same experience and heavens secrets will be revealed as it was revealed to John. Satan will not have a chance to accuse us, if we unceasingly pray to God.

 “ Do all things without grumbling or disputing, ¹⁵ that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, ¹⁶ holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.” Phil 4:14-16.