Prayer is a two-way communication between God and us. Most of the time, we pray asking God to meet our needs or pray for the needs of others. We almost beg God to be merciful and to answer our needs. However, our prayers tend to focus so much on our needs that we forget God desires a relationship with us rather than serving as an ATM machine. We treat God as if He were a machine that could produce whatever we ask for. This is where we miss the point of Jesus’ teaching on prayer. He taught us how to pray and said, “Our Father.” This is the sound of a son calling out to His Father. It reflects a relationship where God the Father listens to His Son. There is no begging for things but a sound of worship.
A relationship is different from withdrawing cash at an ATM. A relationship involves trust. My Father knows my needs even before I ask. He will meet my needs. He already knows what I need; I should pray for others’ needs. Praying only for our needs suggests we doubt if God loves us. It’s a relationship where doubt replaces trust. We don’t need to remind God daily of our needs, but rather thank Him, saying, “Thank you, Lord, for answering our prayers for all we need.” He is our Provider, Healer, Protector, and Friend.
Once you know God as the all-sufficient One, you will trust Him for everything. You will stop telling God your problems. Instead, you will seek to understand His will and thank Him for the answer. If your need is healing, pray as if you are already healed. If it’s a promotion, pray as if you already have it. Confidently praying the answer—knowing it is God’s will to heal, provide, and protect—opens heaven to pour out His resources. Try this and see how your prayer time shifts from asking to thanking Him for all His answers. Amen.
I was a Consultant Psychiatrist with over 40 years of practice. I have tried to integrate my learnings in Psychiatry with Spirituality. I have a Doctorate in Bible and Theology.
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