Reply To: Prayer Basics 2024/2025 Discussion Board 1

[Odinachi Onyemkpa]

Through scripture, it is clear that God always hears our prayers and will respond when we approach Him with unwavering faith and sincere intent aligned with His will. Deep down, we know that He hears us, and this conviction brings a profound sense of peace and calm.
Isaiah 65:24, “Before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear.” This verse powerfully illustrates that God’s response is immediate; He anticipates our needs and answers even before we fully articulate them.
1 John 5:14-15, “And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” These verses make it abundantly clear: when we pray according to God’s will, we can be confident that our prayers are heard and answered. This assurance compels us to praise Him, even before we see the tangible results of our prayers.
Praising God is not optional; it is essential. Here’s why:
It expresses our faith and confidence in God.
Praise boldly demonstrates our belief in God as the All-Sufficient provider who meets our needs.
Psalms 21:13, “Be exalted, O Lord, in your strength! We will sing and praise your power.”

It is a command.
We are instructed to: “Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud, clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!” Psalm 150:1-6. We must pray with thanksgiving—not just when it suits us, but as an act of our will and obedience. Regardless of our circumstances, we are called to thank God.

It alters our perspective.
It shifts our focus from our problems to the greatness of God.
Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

It honours God
Giving thanks is a powerful act of worship and reverence, honouring God for who He is and what He has accomplished.
Psalm 100:4, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving, His courts with praise; give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the Lord is good; His loving kindness is everlasting, and His faithfulness to all generations.”

It focuses on God’s goodness and love
Psalm 59:17, “O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love.”
Praise decisively shifts our focus from our own needs and problems to the undeniable goodness and sovereignty of God.