PRAYERFULNESS

One of the characteristics we Filipinos are known is prayerfulness. A legacy left behind by the Spaniards after hundreds of years of colonization (1521-1898). In the Philippines, there are two forms of Christianity. One, the Roman Catholic introduced by the Spanish friars; second, the Protestant or Evangelical by the Americans in the late 1800s. Adherents of both Christianity and Muslim brethren claimed answers to their prayers by the Almighty. That through prayer situations are changed, evil schemes are thwarted, souls are saved, lives are transformed, and needs are met. As someone said, prayer is God’s channel through which we received all good - both temporal and spiritual.

People pray for various reasons: for physical healing; financial and material provisions; relief from problems, struggles, and burdens; and protection from harm. The above-mentioned prayer requests are essential and include praying for knowledge in knowing the Lord. For we are instructed to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). On the other hand, there are several reasons some prayers remain unanswered. One, we do not have, because we do not ask (James 4:2). Second, when we ask, we do not receive because we ask with wrong motives, that we may spend what we get on our pleasures (James 4:3). Third, we do not abide by the teachings of Jesus, the Word of God. For Jesus said, “if you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you” (John 15:7). Also, “I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father” (John 14:13). God, is glorified through answered prayer.

The Bible advice: Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is anyone sick? Others should pray for him. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. Furthermore, the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective liked Elijah. He prayed earnestly it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops (James 5:13-18).

All prayers are being answered by yes, no, and wait. Whichever could be God’s answer and it is for our good and God’s glory. Therefore, be joyful always; pray continually; and give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). “A little more praying, a little more faith, a little more patience, and the answer is sure to come,” says George Muller, the great disciple of prayer and faith of England.