Sermon 007: The Power and Purpose of True Prayer

Prayer is the sacred medium of communication with God, the Creator. The LORD GOD desires that you pray and talk to Him. Through prayer, you strengthen your relationship with Him by sharing your thoughts, concerns, and feelings. The Creator is near to all who call upon Him in truth and sincerity.

God, the Almighty, longs to be close to you and to hear your prayers. However, He will only listen if you approach Him in a manner that honors Him. When you pray, you must do so with humility, respect, and a repentant heart. Be cautious, for actions or attitudes contrary to His will can distance you from Him and cause Him to disregard your prayers. Remember, faith is essential in prayer: “Without faith, it is impossible to please God. For whoever approaches God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”

Here is an important commandment: pray ONLY to the LORD GOD, the Creator, through Jesus Christ. You must approach God as His child, using the name that saves and protects you—the name of Jesus Christ, which you received when you became born again. Why? Because God is Spirit, and He dwells among us!

When you neglect to communicate with God, you cannot please Him. Prayer is your lifeline to the Creator, JEHOVAH. Unlike humans, God does not pray. Even Jesus of Nazareth, during His time on earth, prayed and taught His disciples how and to whom they should pray. Jesus no longer prays for you; His time for prayer ended on earth. Instead, He instructs you to pray directly to His Father.

Religious traditions have built their practices on praying to Jesus, which Jesus Himself did not endorse. He explicitly said, “In that day, you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now, you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask, and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”

Scriptural References

• Luke 11:1-4
• Matthew 27:46
• Mark 15:34
• James 5:15
• Luke 23:34, 46

Let us, therefore, pray faithfully and truthfully, seeking God’s will and walking in His ways. Amen.