When it comes to the importance of having a consistent prayer life, Jesus is our greatest example. Before He calmed the storm on Galilee, called His twelve disciples, or fed the multitudes with five loaves and two fish, He spent time alone in prayer. And you have been called to follow in His footsteps (see 1 Peter 2:21). In essence, our failures are often the result of our failure to pray. Jesus gave His disciples two prayer principles that will work for you. First, He said, ‘When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father’ (Matthew 6:6 NIV). In other words, find a quiet place where you won’t be distracted. After all, you are meeting with God. As you spend time there, you will grow to love this place, and it will become your ‘secret place’ (Psalm 91:1 KJV). Second, Jesus said, ‘When you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him’ (Matthew 6:7-8 NIV). The words ‘don’t babble’ may sound harsh. But what Jesus is saying to us is, ‘Focus; be with Me. Open your heart. Get real. Stand on My Word and believe Me for answers.’ After the church prayed all night for Peter to be delivered from prison, the Bible says ‘they were astonished’ when God did it (Acts 12:16 KJV). You might say, ‘That’s bad.’ Actually, that’s good! It means even though your faith may be weak, when you pray, God will answer you. So, keep praying and standing on His Word.
