053 - PRAYER: WHY DO OFTEN WE NOT SEE TO THE RESPONSE OF THE ETERNAL ONE?

PRAYER: WHY DO OFTEN WE NOT LISTEN TO THE RESPONSE OF THE ETERNAL ONE?

 

There is much to talk about faith. But the question is: to what extent do we consider it an important element in our daily walk? We are always being moved from faith throughout the day, or just we remember this word when we want something to happen "rain and shine", the way we think should happen?

To have an idea of the importance of faith, see what the writer of Hebrews says:

 

·       "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Hebrews 11.6).

 

Furthermore, the Sacred Scripture so promises about prayer:

 

·       "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (Jas 5.14-16).

·       "Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." (Matthew 21.21,22).

·       "Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." (Mark 11.24).

 

Note how the prayer of faith is powerful. However, if there is a prayer of faith, the more logical thinking is that there is also the prayer of unbelief.

Comes the question: do we have prayed with faith or with unbelief? Or, asking another way: we are approaching ourselves of Jesus in full assurance of faith or certain that He is not a little concerned to hear us and help us?

It is clear that, in the first instance, we are led to believe that our prayer is provided of faith. However, if this is true, then why do we often do not receive what we ask?

Even more considering what Jesus said:

 

·       "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" (Matt 7.7-11).

 

Many times we apologize ourselves that has not yet reached the time of the Eternal One acts. Now, why would He postpone something that we really need? Will His love for us tomorrow be greater than today?

So the question is: why are so many of our prayers not answered?

Let us look at what Paul says:

 

·       "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (Phil 4.6).

 

Note how our petitions should be known at all (and not only in part) before the Eternal One, and this by means of three things:

 

1.     Prayer: dialog. When you ask something to someone, in a general way, you don't arrive already request and, much less, you'll be asking this repeatedly, seeing that this, besides being stressful for both parties, can generate hostility and even end in tragedy. 

 

It is true that there is the parable of the unjust judge:

 

·       "And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;" (Luke 18.1).

 

However, when you attends a judge you are not always talking about the same thing. Although the message is the same, you'll presenting new arguments that corroborate your question (to strengthen your arguments).

But above all, as someone honest and good, you do not simply want to ruin the opponent. You want justice, that is, discovering what really is going on with him and, to the extent possible, seek of the the Judge of judges, the justice of the Kingdom of Eternal One that will allow you to experience a total renovation of life.

The prayer, similarly, it is a moment of intimacy with our Bridegroom (Jesus) in order to be able to know His plan for us in the midst of which we are living, as well as receive of Him His spiritual resources to manifest His glory, so that everyone can see who He really is.

Prayer is not trying to teach Jesus and convince Him to act on our way. This is praying with unbelief. And the worst thing is that it is so that we go to the Eternal One: in the certainty that He doesn’t loves us, is distant and isn’t interested by what we are experiencing. At this way it is, then, required some sacrifice to convince Him (hence the fasts, campaigns, vows, etc.). 

However, the God who was able to give his only Son to save us from ourselves, how shall He not with Him (Jesus) also freely give us all things? (Romans 8.31,32)?

 

·       "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6.31-33).

·       "For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether." (Psalm 139.4).

 

After all, in which God in fact we believe? Who really is He? If Jesus really is who claims to be, then why do we not believe what He promised?

Many times we pray to Jesus as if He were not omniscient and omnipresent, as if he didn't know who we are or what we really need. Even more: as if He were a groom that needed to be seduced and conquered by his bride.

All the times we pray this way, we are praying with unbelief. Unfortunately, we are not trusting in the love and wisdom of Jesus. We pray to Him as if He needed to repent to be so insensitive to human suffering and turn from His evil way of seeing so much corruption, injustice and calamity happening and doing nothing. From the earliest time the human being blame Jesus for everything bad that happens.

 

·       "Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal" (Ezek 18.25). 

·       "Yet saith the house of Israel, The way of the Lord is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal?" (Ezek 18.29). 

·       "Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?" (Mal 2.17).

·       "Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee? Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts? And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered." (Mal 3.13-15). 

 

Indeed, this began there in Eden:

 

·       "And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat." (Genesis 3.12).

 

Note that, covertly, Adam blamed the Eternal One for having given Him a wife. Noah, inclusive, received this name because Lamech considered the Eternal One as the culprit of the curse that the earth was submitted by guilt from Adam (Genesis 3.17).

 

·       "And Lamech lived an hundred eighty and two years, and begat a son: and he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD hath cursed." (Gen 5.28,29).

 

Then comes the question: and our prayer? It has been really enjoyable to Jesus, or has been a torment? Consider the case of the Israelites of Isaiah's time:

 

·        "Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow." (Isa 1.17).

 

He has taken pleasure in our company, to hear us, or our prayer has been an offense to Him? 

 

·       "He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination." (Pv 28.9).

 

Even if you do not say explicitly offensive words to Jesus (as seen above), many times our prayer reveals the grievance that we hold against Him.

You may be wondering: but how? I'm not upset with Jesus!

Let’s think on the case of Martha and Mary:

 

·       "Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died." (John 11.21).

·       "Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died." (John 11.32).

 

Analyze calmly and you will see that, deep down, they were upset because Jesus was not to them immediately after hearing that Lazarus was sick (John 11.6).

And they were not the first to become sorrow against Jesus. Asaph was also (meditate on Psalm 73). Isaiah, for a few moments, began to think that serve the Eternal One was something useless:

 

·       "Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely my judgment is with the LORD, and my work with my God." (Isaiah 49.4).

 

Habakkuk, at a given moment of his life, it was perplexed by the events around Him:

 

·       "O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save! Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention. Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth." (Habakkuk 1.2-4).

 

He wasn’t understood why He cried to the Eternal One and nothing changed. Note how He was believing that the Eternal One is insensitive or stiff-necked. Often, unfortunately, we are doing worse than Ha-Satan: while He wanted to be equal to the Eternal One (Isaiah 14.12-14), we, many times, are feeling ourselves better than He to the point of, not only of teaching Him about what to do, but even to charge and require this of Him.

Jeremiah also wondered: 

 

·       "Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts. I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation. Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, which refuseth to be healed? wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar, and as waters that fail? Therefore thus saith the LORD, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them." (Jeremiah 15.16-19).

 

Not only this! At the time of Malachi, many also questioned:

 

·       "Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee? Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts? And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered." (Mal 3.13-15).

 

See the case of Hezekiah:

 

·       "In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live. Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, and said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore." (Isaiah 38.1-3).

 

He didn't consider just to die at that moment. However, if he had relied on the wisdom of the Eternal One and obeyed, he would end his life with a good testimony. However, in the fifteen years that was added to him, he only made silly (among them begat Manasseh, that was the worst king that all Israel and Judah had, which was responsible for Judah going into captivity – 2Kings 24.3).

And we, when we pray to Jesus, we are really interested in sincerely understanding and accepting His will for our lives and to receive from Him everything that is required for glorify His name, regardless of the situation that is brought to us (see Jer 2.2)? Or are we going in search of an effective method to put Him under our control and compel Him to do what we thought good, correct, fair? Are our prayers of praise and gratitude to Jesus, or a disguised charge (for example, of abandoning their children, do neither good nor evil (Zephaniah 1.12))?

That never we close ourselves to the action of the Holy Spirit; instead, let’s allow Him use our spirit to teach us to pray as we ought (Romans 8.26):

 

·       "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." (Rom 8.26).

 

Note that there is no exception: nobody knows what they should pray. This means that this verse answers the famous question that we all do: "Ah! Why is it that the Eternal One does not answer my prayers?" Now you know: once that none of us knows how to pray correctly, how can we expect that the Eternal One answer ill, petty, impure, imperfect, etc. requests?

In fact, our surprise should happen when the Eternal One hear the prayer of someone, as shown below:

 

·       " Then spake Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon. And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel." (Joshua 10.12-14).

EXAMPLES OF PRAYERS OF UNBILIEF

To exemplify prayers of unbelief that we do, imagine four situations:

First: someone is having financial problems. Normally, such individual will pray to Jesus asking Him money (Mammon - see Matt 6.24) to pay the bills. 

Apparently seems something normal. However, have you ever stopped to think how the Eternal One sustains all His creation (animals and plants) without the need for school and money? Each one is born knowing what you need to fulfill their role here on earth and receives the necessary for this.

And don't think that is only for animals and plants that the Eternal One so does. He also promises that all who believe in Him:

 

·       "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." (Phil 2.12,13).

 

And we can see an example of this in the Testament of the law, when the whole nation of Israel came out of Egypt, (composed of more than 600 thousand people, without counting women and children) was sustained by the Eternal during 40 years in the desert without the need of money.

Not to mention that Jesus promised:

 

·       "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matt 6.33).

 

And Paul confirmed this promise:

 

·       "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Phil 4.19).

 

Soon, pray to Jesus asking material goods implies in not believing in Him and, therefore, is to call Him a liar:

 

·       "He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son." (1 John 5.10).

 

Even more considering that the blessing comes and follows the one who hears the voice of Jesus:

 

·       "And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: and all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God." (Deut 28.1,2).

 

Therefore, the prayer of faith implies seek in Jesus have a heart ready to hear His voice and be able to receive within themselves the Word that He wants to graft (James 1.21), which is powerful to enable us to seek His kingdom and righteousness. After all, being all this truth in our lives, shall not want any good thing (Psalm 34.10).

 

Second: suppose someone wants to go to somewhere. As, normally, such an individual pray to Jesus? To be free of any kind of problem. Have you ever thought if Jesus answered this kind of prayer for each one that says believe Him there would be no joy in heaven:

 

·       "I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance." (Luke 15.7). 

 

After all, as the bandits, prostitutes, etc. would repent and convert without experiencing the goodness of the Eternal One in their lives (Romans 2.4) through one of His servants (Rom 10.14,15)?

I, better than anyone, know how a problem is something unpleasant and painful. However, if in fact we believe that where sin abounds, grace superabounds (Rom 5.20), and that the more we need to forgive someone to keep the relationship, the more then will be the experience of love which we live in Christ through this individual (Luke 7.47), we would certainly be hunters of problems. After all, the more difficult the problem, the greater the victory and the greater glory and reward that comes with it (see Rom 9:24-27).

And by the way: we must not forget that there is only promise to winners in the Holy Scripture (Rev 2.7,11,17,26; 3.5.12.21). As, however, overcome and be approved without proof, fight (2Tim 2.15)?

Soon, our prayer should be in order for us to come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace for helping us in opportune time (Heb 4.16)  so that we can comfort our enemies who were lying down at the valley of the shadow of death (Psalms 23.4,5; Isaiah 9.1.2; Matt 4.15,16). After all, remember that nothing will fail because the Eternal One will provide the banquet that we need in their presence in the midst of this valley in which they chose to dwell. 

That always we get up fully capable of consoling the enemies (Mt 5.44,45) who are in any affliction, with the same consolation that we receive of Jesus (2Cor 1.4). That Jesus always fill us with courage, so never we give up on fighting for those that Jesus placed in our path, until it is eliminated everything  that  prevents them to hear His voice and be used for Him. 

 

Third: and when someone depends on the decision of others to achieve something? The trend of this individual is praying to Jesus to change them in their favor. However, what saith the scripture?

 

·       "When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him." (Pv 16.7). 

 

In other words, the reason for which many are not supporting us is because what we are doing is not being pleasing to the eyes of the Eternal. Otherwise, as none of the Jesus’ plans may be frustrated (Job 42.2) (inasmuch as, when He acts, nobody is able to prevent Him (Isaiah 43.13), so instead of we out looking to change everything and everyone, and even wanting to force Jesus to help us in this endeavor, the most sense is to pray to Him to take knowledge of His will, and then submit ourselves to it.

Even more considering that His will, aside from sovereign, is good, perfect and pleasing (Romans 12.2), in addition to operate in us His salvation (Philippians 2.12,13).

Finally, whoever believes in truth, exposes to Jesus the situation in which they are living and seek in Him to hear His will and receive from Him the power to be done His Son (John 1.12), which will empower them with everything to glorify Him before principalities and powers (Ephesians 3.10) in the midst of everything that they are living (see Rom 8.31,32).

Thus, that we all seek, in Jesus, His path through the storm and tempest (Nahum 1.3), as well as His escape in the midst of the temptations of life (1 Corinthians 10.13). 

Moreover, if any change is to happen where we are, know this: there is no change to happen in our lives that, first of all, don't start transforming our interior:

 

·       "When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.  I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water." (Isaiah 41.17,18).

·       "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)" (John 7.37-39). 

 

Note that the Eternal One not simply satisfy the thirst of the thirsty; instead, make them a source to saciate desert places.

 

·       "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (2Cor 4.6).

 

Instead of the Eternal One take out of the darkness, note that He does His light shine in us (see Isa 60.1) so that we can be light in the midst of this world of darkness (Matthew 5.14-16).

In short: so that the place or the situation in which we are change, first of all, we ought to allow this change to happen in us and flows through us.

 

Four: Suppose someone is sick. The natural tendency is to ask Jesus to be healed. However, the Scripture is clear:

 

·       "Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53.4-5).

 

Many say that this promise is only for the future. However, have you ever thought if this were true? We would be at the mercy of the healthcare system, such as any wicked, and that is something extremely expensive and complicated. Furthermore, the Holy Scripture says that “he hath borne our griefs" (past).

I know that seems too good to be true, but we have to believe in that says the Psalm 46.1:

 

·       "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46.1).

 

Note how the rescue of the Eternal One is not future, but as well present. After all:

 

·       "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" (Matt 7.11).

 

What Father, having a son and seeing him suffer, will be stopped without doing anything (being in his hands the ability to solve the problem at that exact moment)? How will the Eternal One:

 

·       "Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy." (Micah 7.18) 

·       "Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the LORD." (Jeremiah 31.20).

 

Therefore, if the blessing is not come to us, there is something that is preventing it arrives. 

Understand: even though the Eternal One allows certain situations to prove, disciplinary, correct, teach us, even so the problem is not to get hold of us and keep us slaves of it forever.

In addition, it is written:

 

·       "And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity." (Isaiah 33.24).

 

Note how infirmity and iniquity are intimately linked. Indeed, even if the promise of Isaiah 53.4,5 was only spiritual (i.e., heal our inner), obviously, as a consequence, we would have physical healing as well, since the spiritual sickness implies in the infirmity of the flesh.

 

Finally, if you really believe in Jesus, we must believe in what He has promised. Otherwise, what sense is there in our faith? We will be like any other citizen of the world who lives just to stay alive, to have a little pleasure, suffer the consequences of the sins of others, see impotent evil spreading without being able to do anything and the worst: be sentenced to make others suffer because of their own sins and reap this evil back (Gal 6.7-9).

Believe: Jesus is not a man to lie, neither the son of man to repent (Num 23.19) and anything that is found in Sacred Scripture failure (Js 23.14; 1Kings 8.56). Therefore, instead of passively accepting any weakness in our lives vanish our forces and disturbing us to be more useful to the neighbor, that the hope of Christ in our lives will serve as an anchor to keep our soul sticking in Christ and all that He has for us (Heb 4.16; 6.18,19).

 Let us not be satisfied with less than Christ promised to us. Refusing to take possession of something that He won for us is considered by Him an offense:

After all, if Christ gives us some gift, talent, etc., it is because it is necessary for us to fulfill His role in us in this world. Therefore, it is not a right to be exercised, but a duty.

Once it became clear what is the prayer of unbelief, the next step is to find out what is the supplication:

SUPPLICATION

·       "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (Phil 4.6).

 

According to the dictionary, supplication is urgent request and humble, often desperate. Supplication is true despair. There is a false despair, as someone who is pretending that is desperate in order to do sentimental blackmail, nor the despair of someone who is overly exaggerating.

The first point to observe is the humility. Many misunderstand the Parable of the Unjust Judge:

 

·       "And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: and there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me." (Luke 18.1-5).

 

It is true that we must persevere in prayer. However, think: exactly what led the judge to meet the widow? What he feared that she did? With certainty is not her mere insistence, since he, not fearing no god or human being, could very well have killed this woman and ending with the importunity.

Indeed, he could easily maintain that widow away from him. Comes the question: what led the judge to be receiving the importunate widow? and why he didn't wanted to hear for some time?

I just can find an explanation for this. The cause of the widow was fair, she really cared about this question, knew that only this judge could solve her problem and she didn't want to just see the question answered: she wanted, through humility, reaching the hearts of all, so that the greatest number of individuals (including the judge) could feel within them, the importance of this question, and then decided to do the same to them too.

Comes the question: what causes we are leading to Jesus in prayer? Our petty desires or that the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matt 6.33) may find a place in the heart of every one around us within us? This question is really important and even vital, to the point of us being able to persevere in it until thousands of hearts are touched, or all you want is the satisfaction of your ego?

When someone asks for something extremely vital and is fully convinced that there is only one person who can solve their problem, they deliver their whole life to this cause until they see the same answered, not only to have their whim answered or to make a name for themselves, but by recognizing that there is no other solution.

Comes the question: what we are praying really deserves the attention of all? Moreover, this deserves our attention? What we are seeking only Jesus can solve, or is it something that we, with our efforts, can achieve through the resources of this world?

For we know that our cause is fair, just think that the true wealth of Eternal One for those who loves Him goes well beyond this limited world: it is something that eye cannot see, ear cannot hear and goes well beyond anything that our mind can imagine or understand (1Cor 2.9; Eph 3.20). What is really good, perfect and pleasing (Rom 12.2) only Jesus can do, and this when the hearts around us are prepared to receive.

Understood what is meant by "prayer" and "supplication", it’s necessary we discover what is "thanksgiving":

THANKSGIVING

·       "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (Phil 4.6).

 

Note how our prayers must be accompanied by attitudes which express our gratitude to Christ, which implies in actions that give place to His grace operates in us and through us.

Then comes the question: when we come to Jesus, we go to Him moved by gratitude and the pleasure of seeing Him develop His salvation in us with fear and trembling (Phil 2.12), or we go muttering and deploring our luck?

We have pleasure in Jesus (Psalm 37.4) and we are grateful to Him for the privilege that He gave us of being used by Him where sin abounded (in the valley of the shadow of death, in the presence of enemies of the Eternal One - Psalms 23.4,5)? For us it is a joy and satisfaction that we can see His grace spill over (Rom 5.20) and His love grow within us (Luke 7.47) where sin abounds, or our only concern is to be free of any discomfort to best enjoy the pleasures of the flesh?

We want to fill the movie of our life with actions (Testimonies) of Christ transforming hearts and realities through us? We want the movie of our life is full of moments of faith, hope, truth and victories over sin, Ha-Satan and the world? 

Remember that there are only promises in Holy Scripture for winners (see Romans 9:24-27; Rev 2.7,11,17,26; 3.5,12,21) and that we ought to present ourselves to the Eternal One approved (2Tim 2.15). Therefore, it is needed proofs amidst which we can suffer the sound doctrine (2Tim 4.3,4). And the stronger and more intense is the proofs, the greater is our crown of glory (1Thes 2.19).

In short: we welcome the struggles and trials with gratitude, since they are an opportunity for us grow in faith, love, grace, virtue, truth, and witness of Christ, or we are seeking in Christ only satisfy our belly:

 

·       "(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:" (Philippians 3.18-20).

The Hope

I believe that with all this it is possible to find out how to make the perfect prayer. However, one of the errors of those who study about prayer or faith is to make separate studies on these two issues, since the two are interlinked, as has already been seen.

But worse than this: forget to study an essential element, which unites the faith with prayer: hope. Many feel that their prayers had no effect and, therefore, employ others to pray for them, as if their prayers were more powerful or they were more dear to Jesus.

Wrong! The Eternal One did not acception of persons (Deut 10.17; 2 Cor 19.7; Acts 10.34; Romans 2.11; Eph 6.9; Col 3.25; 1 Peter 1.17). The problem is that, in most times, we don't know what to expect from our prayers (or are we expecting the wrong thing). Comes the question: what kind of response do we expect our prayers?

Let us begin, then, by analyzing the figure of speech of the annoying friend:

 

·       "And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth." (Luke 11.5-8).

 

By the context, gives the impression that, just as we must pestering our friend who is sleeping, we must also "tease" Jesus. Then comes the question: what could bother Jesus? It would be saying the same thing in His ear? Certainly not!

 

·       "But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him." (Matt 6.7,8).

 

In fact, here we can see that persevere in prayer is not always asking the same thing (this is condemned!). Furthermore, do not think that your prayers are just mere words carried by air. 

You can be sure that your prayers are always heard and recorded, and thy tears, saved:

 

·       "Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?" (Psalm 56.8)

·       "And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand." (Rev 8.4)

 

And at the right time these prayers will produce its due effect:

 

·       "And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake." (Rev 8.5).

 

Even what we talked about Jesus with the individuals is registered:

 

·       "Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name." (Mal 3.16).

 

Therefore, there is no sense repetitions. Comes the question: what is bullying and what type of bullying that touches the heart of Jesus?

First of all, bullying is to insist on something that is not appropriate. To better understand this, let us return to the parable of the unjust judge:

 

·       "And he told them a parable about the duty to pray always and not faint, saying there was in a city a judge who neither feared God nor respected the man. There was also, in that same city, a certain widow who came to him, saying, Make me justice against my opponent." (Luke 18.1-3).

 

The woman represents Israel who, spiritually speaking, represents the Church. The adversary is Ha-Satan who wants, with all their accusations and worldliness, destroy the real identity of the Church.

Note that the woman did not want the ruin or destruction of the adversary, but the justice of the Eternal One against the attacks of the enemy, in order to stay in the purpose for which He created her.

 

·       "And he would not for a while:..." (Luke 18.4).

 

The judge did not answer her because her cause, even though fair, was being delivered outside the opportune moment. The same can be seen in the following passage:

 

·       "Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour." (Matthew 15.21-28).

 

Note how the moment was not appropriate (hence, initially, Jesus did not answer her word). When, however, the insistence of the woman had fulfilled its purpose (disturb the disciples so that they could know the real mission of Jesus and immensity of His mercy, able to go over any law when it finds a truly repentant and broken heart by faith and question correct), then Jesus met the woman.

The same occurred with Daniel:

 

·       "And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia." (Daniel 10.11-13).

 

Even if the angel was sent to give the answer to Daniel since the first day he began to pray, note that only when the persistence of Daniel had touched the sufficient number of angels is that Michael, the archangel, was sent to expel the demon who was acting in Persia (where Daniel was) and allow the angel arrived with the response that Daniel both sought.

Similarly, when the time came, i.e., when the attitude of the widow had played the full number of hearts (see Rom 11.25; Luke 21.24; Gen. 15.16), the situation has changed:

 

·       "And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me." (Luke 18.4,5).

 

Even if this judge does not make decisions based on that individuals believe or what they are thinking or feeling (and, often, therefore, considered as unfair by those who think they know how he should act), when the time came, he answered. 

Understand: if the judge attended the widow immediately, many servants of Jesus would not be touched to repentance (associate with Matt 13.28). On the other hand, if the judge does not meet at an opportune moment, the hearts of the faithful would be discouraged:

 

·       "Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." (Ecclesiastes 8:11).

 

With this, the woman (which symbolizes Israel and, therefore, the Church), would not return to the judge to seek His righteousness.

Result: the judge would not have more cause against the opponent (Ha-Satan), could not sentence him. This would spread the sin within Israel, something that brings tremendous pain and fatigue when Eternal One:

First: fatigue because of sin:

 

·       "Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities. I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins." (Isaiah 43.24,25).

 

Pain because of the destruction that has to come upon His people:

 

·       "For they provoked him to anger with their high places, and moved him to jealousy with their graven images. When God heard this, he was wroth, and greatly abhorred Israel: so that he forsook the tabernacle of Shiloh, the tent which he placed among men; and delivered his strength into captivity, and his glory into the enemy's hand. He gave his people over also unto the sword; and was wroth with his inheritance. The fire consumed their young men; and their maidens were not given to marriage. Their priests fell by the sword; and their widows made no lamentation. Then the Lord awaked as one out of sleep, and like a mighty man that shouteth by reason of wine." (Psalm 78.58-65).

·       "So the LORD sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning even to the time appointed: and there died of the people from Dan even to Beersheba seventy thousand men. And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough: stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD was by the threshingplace of Araunah the Jebusite." (2Sam 24.15,16).

 

Hence the Eternal One’s order:

 

·       "I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence, and give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth." (Isaiah 62.6,7).

·       "Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?" (Joel 2.17).

 

Not to mention that the sins of Israel give place to opponents to blasphemy the name of the Eternal One (see Rom 2.24). 

So, do not think that the Eternal One is an unjust judge because He does not meet thy prayers immediately:

 

·       "And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith." (Luke 18.6).

 

You can be sure: Jesus is listening to you. While you cry day and night, your heart is being improved in truth and justice, and many hearts are being touched:

 

·       "And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18.7-8).

 

The Eternal ONE is late for our anxious expectations, but is quick to act at the right time. Comes, however, the question: when it comes to our aid, he will be able to find true faith in us?

Understood better the parable of the unjust judge, I believe that this facilitates the understanding about the annoying friend.

Unfortunately, the english translation hampers the undestanding about what importunity led the sleepy friend to answer:

 

·       "I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth." (Luke 11.8).

 

May not be our the importunity of the frend, because, in this case, would be contrary to what is said in Matthew 6.7,8 and Zechariah 4.6: 

 

·       "Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts." (Zechariah 4.6).

 

Much less can be the importunity of a friend who arrived of voyage, inasmuch as there is no contact between him and the sleepy one.

Therefore, this sleepy was being plagued by himself, by his conscience (see John 8.9). The truth is that, when we are upright in the eyes of the Eternal One, He touches the conscience of each one (see 1 John 3.19-22) that surrounds us (see Proverbs 16.7).

If you analyze carefully this passage, you will see that the friend did not drive for any reason (much less by mere whim). He was an emissary of the Eternal One to service individuals in order that they might "light their lamps and prepare for the coming of Christ" (see Matthew 25.6).

The bread was an excuse to wake up the sleepy one. And the worst thing is that, very often, when we help someone, we feel that we are doing a favor for this individual (and the worst: even for Jesus). However, in truth, someone approaches us in order that Jesus may, before all, show His Favor in us and save us from ourselves.

The truth, however, is that, when the path of someone is pleasing to the eye of the Eternal One, all they really need will be granted by any servant of the Eternal One, whether by love (for being a friend), whether by they feel themselves uncomfortable for not doing what is right.

You may think: how do I know that the friend who arrived from trip and the drowsy friend are servants of Jesus? Because only it is a friend of truth of a Jesus’ disciple who believes in Him.

Thus, when we want something, we have to think: what we are really asking is fair and good? And to whom we are asking? Remember that every good present and every perfect gift comes from Jesus (James 1.16,17). Everything that does not come from Jesus, even though it may be valuable and pleasing to the eyes of the world, surely only bring us problems.

So, be careful not to ask the wrong individual!!!! Don't think that Jesus is far from thee, even more if you have a contrite heart (poignant feeling of repentance for having grieved the heart of the Eternal One with the sins) and broken (which is not still hard, rigid, integer, i.e., without "bleed" of pain to see so many lives suffering by not knowing Jesus):

·       "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." (Psalm 51.17).

·       "For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." (Isaiah 57.15).

 

Another important thing to be observed is: 

To whom are we really praying?

·       "And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.  I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." (Luke 18.9-14).

 

Even though the Pharisee, in his mind, he was praying to the Eternal One, note how the target of his prayer was himself (the prayer went out from him and he returned to him, when the correct is that we outbreak in prayer moved by the Holy Spirit and reach Jesus - Rom 8.14,26).

Note how the prayer should be based on what the Eternal One wants to do in us and through us (and not what we are doing or want to do by Him or by the neighbor). 

Also note how it is possible the thanksgiving be repulsive to the Eternal One. Although the fact of not being wicked is a privilege to be grateful to the Eternal One, yet we should never trust who we are who we are by our own goodness. This will inevitably make us despise individuals, especially those who do not consider good within our standards (remember to Job (which justified himself more than God - Job 32.2) and the prophet Jonah).

Only Jesus is who He is. We are what Jesus enables us to be, and this so that, through us, He can empower others to be what He wants them to be.

Understand: it is one thing to be grateful to Jesus to receive things that makes them bigger than the others; another is to be grateful for the freedom that Jesus gives us of being free of ourselves so that we can serve more effectively to the neighbor.

Hence Jesus said: whoever exalts themselves (i.e., fills himself), tries to make it big in front of everyone, and thus ends up losing the possibility of being clothed with the righteous deeds of the saints (Rev 19.8). After all, in addition to the justice of the individual be worldly, such justice is separate from what others around them are. There isn’t a bond of love and grace, but only a mere approximation of convenience.

 On the other hand, who humbles themselves (empties themselves), will be exalted within the hearts of others and by their presence within own heart. Even because, for someone to find a place within the time of someone, this one has to be empty of the desires and plans. Hence Jesus said:

 

·       "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matt 5.3).

 

Note how only has the right to take possession of the kingdom of heaven (i.e., the reign that Jesus will come to establish in this world) who has a poor spirit of dreams and desires. Even here we can see that, although Jesus is the King, the kingdom belongs to every one that believeth (unlike today, where the country in which we live is not ours, nor for us).

But after all, what kind of prayer pleases the Eternal One?

·       "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (Phil 4.6).

 

Note how the petitions must be known before the Eternal One. At first, this may seem simple. However, note that the Eternal One says to Israel through Malachi:

 

·       "And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the LORD of hosts.” (Mal 1.8).

 

Whereas the Eternal One makes this comparison, then think: who has access to a governor, king, president of the republic (or other important authority)? Only people very intimate and which are fully aligned with all the interests of the Authority.

It is for this reason that the Eternal One commanded that we were subject to the authorities (Romans 13.1,2; Heb 13.17; 1 Peter 2.18,19). Unfortunately, many do not see the purpose of submission, namely: seek the perfect unity in truth with those that the Eternal One places in our lives.

With the Eternal One isn’t different, as it can be seen below:

 

·       "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matt 25.40).

 

Therefore, our petition can only be known before of the Eternal One if we have intimacy with Him and fully in harmony with His will:

 

·       "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:" (1John 5.14).

·       "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Heb 4.16).

 

Just as Jesus meets this requirement (nor even the angels has such a level of intimacy with the Eternal One - Job 4.18), hence the need we are born again of water and the spirit for us being able to receive Jesus in us and, with this, seeing the Eternal One and His kingdom (John 3.3).

Understand: if our petition is not known before the Eternal One (directly by him), it will not be considered, since there will be no one to take our petitions to Him, because He doesn't work with intermediaries (1Tim 2.5).

You may ask: "but the Eternal One is omnipresent.". In accordance with His divine, yes. However, we can only experience the presence of the Eternal One in our life when our soul is ready to be led by the Holy Spirit acting on our spirit to where He wants us.

You may wonder: But, what would prevent this?

 

·       "Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;" (Matthew 5.23).

·       "And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight." (1 John 3.19-22).

·       "For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)" (Rm 2.14,15).

 

Many times a situation very badly resolved with ourselves and with our neighbor is limiting the action of the Eternal One in our life or is leaving us very heavy, and thus incapable of being carried by the wind of the Holy Spirit (John 3.8).

After all, the only reason for the wars and contentions (James 4.1) and the excess of desires is because we have not aware about who we are and our mission here. Because of this, we do not know with what we feed our soul and spirit, which leads us to desire many things and move on all that, somehow, hamper us in the acquisition that.

Hereby, now, it is easy to answer the following question: what, after all, is the prayer for? 

How to know if He is speaking to us?

Finally, the prayer, being our intimacy with the Eternal One, must be made in order to bring us closer to Him and those who He wants to bring to have His supper within us (Rev 3.20).

Perhaps you have wondered: how to make Jesus speak to me? In fact, He always speaks: it is us that do not want to understand the message. Most of the times we want so much that things are of our way, when something happens differently than we expected, we believe that Jesus did not exist or that He has abandoned us, does not care for us. However, each event, whether large or small, is a parable to show us His good, pleasing and perfect will for us (Rom 12.2).

However, there are two considerations to be made in this respect:

 

1.     Many times He does not speak because there is nothing more to say. After all, He has already told us to stay somewhere or follow a particular direction or do a certain thing and we refuse. How can we expect Him to guide us, if we are in the midst of our temptations (see Matt 6.13)?

2.     Many times He does not speak because they obstruct the channel that He wanted to use to bless us.

 

·       "Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 18.18,19).

 

Jesus was clear:

 

·       "Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift." (Matt 5.23,24). 

 

Perhaps you think: what has to do prayer with offer? Everything! In addition to prayer be a spiritual offering, many individuals have lost the focus of the true purpose of the offer. See the case of David after repent of having adulterated with Bathsheba:

 

·       "And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah." (Psalm 50.6).

 

Although he had sinned against Bathsheba and Uriah and, indirectly, even against Israel (2Sam 12.14), in his mind, his sin was only against the Eternal One. Likewise, the great difficulty of the Church is to accept that her role here is to show that the Spirit of the Eternal One, acting in the spirit of man, is capable of doing in the life of the His sons. 

External miracles He made in the Old Testament and when He was here as a man, and as is well known, they were never able to transform the interior of anyone. Therefore, it is up to us don’t depart ourselves (much less want revenge) of those who trespass against us. Instead, we ought to remain with them while Jesus uses us to transform them and us.

Even today, many individuals make distinction between "secular work" and "working for the Lord Jesus" (as if loving the Eternal One, and the neighbor were two different things), being that in Holy Scripture there is no such distinction!  And is not even to exist, since the principle by which the Eternal One created all is that each plant or animal had their identity as well defined and gave fruit according to its kind.

And, in Matthew 5.23,24, what Jesus is teaching is precisely that there is no sense in serving the Eternal One without we put ourselves at the service of neighbor: if we praise, our hymns should be directed to the neighbor and with messages that give the occasion for Jesus ministering in their heart; if we pray, our goal should be to get of Jesus the necessary to confirm ourselves in the neighbor’s life by means of His truth (James 5.13).

If we were to serve Jesus alone, He would take each one that believe in Him to a deserted island and give them a copy of Sacred Scripture, so that they could stay the whole time with one another without interruptions.

We need to understand that life with Christ is bear one another's burdens (Gal 6.2). Remember that our petitions should be known at all (and not only in part - Phil 4.16) before the Eternal One. 

Remember the orders given to Adam: plowing and keep save the garden of Eden (Genesis 2.15), feed himself freely from every tree in the garden (except the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil - Gen 2.16,17) and to name the animals (Genesis 2.19). What is the reason for such orders? It does with that Adam knew everything: plants (by means of the fruits - Matt 7.15-20), the ground (through the plowing), the animals (identifying them carefully) and the circumstances sent by the Eternal One (through the guard, surveillance).

In other words, the prayer only has meaning when we have intimacy with everything that the Eternal One gives us (individuals, resources and circumstances). Only then we will be able to expose everything correctly before the Eternal One. Therefore, embrace also the adversities, because, besides being the spiritual exercise of the Eternal One to strengthen us, they are the means to bring the best of the Eternal One for us.

Once it became clear that, before something better, first worsening, that Jesus gives us courage, strength and love not to give up in the face of problems that individuals bring to us (or even cause us). After all, prayer is not for us pluck of Jesus what we want, but to receive all that He has already prepared for us in order to make us more than conquerors in everything that we are passing through (Rom 8.37), and thus able to comfort others who are living our reality (1Peter 5.8,9), with this same comfort we have received (2Cor 1.3-5).

THE LOVE OF NEIGHBOR AND OUR PRAYERS

To make clearer the importance of loving our neighbor in our prayers, compare, for example, the interpretation of Jesus about the greatest commandment of the law and what Paul said about complying with the law:

 

·       "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (Matthew 22.37-40).

·       "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." (Romans 13.8-10).

 

How to explain this apparent discrepancy?

When we think on legalistic way, we began to idolize the law, as if it were the solution to all the problems of society. How this could be possible, since we are so fragile, limited and with a tendency to evil (Isaiah 64.6)? 

The concern of the legalistic one is: "can" or "cannot" do? He is not concerned with individuals, but only in maintaining the Babylonian System that governs this world and to defend their rights. For such, serve the Eternal One and neighbor are two different things and so only rules to be followed, services to be performed.

For those who, however, is moved by the grace of Christ, what is important are the individuals and, especially, what Jesus wants to do in their lives. The concern of them is "I should" or "I shouldn’t" do such a thing? Will this be convenient to edify those who are around me? 

For such ones, the important thing  is not to seek the Eternal One in order to please the gods who elected upon themselves to satisfy the appetites of their flesh (Exodus 20.3):

 

·       "Porque qualquer homem da casa de Israel, e dos estrangeiros que peregrinam em Israel, que se alienar de mim, e levantar os seus ídolos no seu coração, e puser o tropeço da sua maldade diante do seu rosto, e vier ao profeta, para me consultar por meio dele, eu, o SENHOR, lhe responderei por mim mesmo." (Ezek 14.7).

 

The important thing is to seek the Eternal One so that all the heart of them find what they need in Christ Jesus in the presence of those He put together themselves (Psalm 47.4).

To be more clear: either we are seeking the Eternal One as lovers (thinking in the well that will befall us), or, as brides, we are seeking Him in order to be really helpful to those that He has placed in our lives and, in this way, we can know Him better and be free of making any harm.

Have you ever thought what was the purpose of the offerings of the Old Testament? 

·       "For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:" (Heb 9.13).

 

As you can see, the sacrifices and offerings had intended to purify the Levitical law (purification of the flesh), so that all the people of Israel could see that it was in validity and was to be fulfilled, so as to be separated from other peoples for the exclusive use of the Eternal One:

 

·       "Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?" (Deut 4.5-8).

 

And this separation was so that all the people saw the privilege of having intimacy with the living and true God and of being fair to the neighbor.

Therefore, what sense had to offer something to the Eternal One holding grudge for someone? May Jesus work in our spirit so that, instead of fighting for the rights to receive that the law gives us, we fight for the rights that grace gives us to give our bodies as living, holy and pleasing sacrifices to Him in the midst of the reproach and damage we suffer (Rom 12.1).

After all, there is a counterintuitive want to please Jesus with offerings, when we refuse to do what He asks of us? How to keep a holy community for the Eternal One if there is any discrepancy between its members? Although it is a simple "Achan" that is out of harmony with the rest of the Church (Joshua 7), this is enough to end up with perfect unity that should exist in the body of Christ (John 17.11,21-23) and, consequently, to make each one see their neighbor as an enemy to be overcome so that the achievement of their own dreams can be achieved.

It is good to remember that every one who believes in Jesus was called to be a house of prayer, i.e., a living place where those who want intimacy with Jesus can meet themselves or obtain refuge (Isaiah 14.32). 

Therefore, what prayer or offer can make sense in the face of enmity? After all, the Eternal One need not of our offerings. Contrary to what happens in the kingdom of men (where big taxes are levied), the Kingdom of the Eternal One, consists in Him offering to us what we need to know Him and to glorify His name.

Note how, when Jesus was here, His message was: 

 

·       "And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you." (Luke 10.9)

 

Well, if the Kingdom of the Eternal One arrived with Jesus, therefore the religious system existing in Israel was not Kingdom of the Eternal One.

This leads us to conclude that the Kingdom of the Eternal One consists not of religious formalism (rules to be followed and works to be made), but in Jesus operating in the life of the brothers through our communion with Him (in prayer).

To illustrate this, see what Peter says about the relationship between prayer and marriage:

 

·       "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered." (1Pet 3.7).

 

Note how the prayer is canceled when the couple is not going well. 

And this is not everything! See what Isaiah said:

 

·       "And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1.15-18).

 

Notice how the Eternal One nor supports look to us when our attitudes (and, especially, our motives) are bad. 

And this isn’t to wonder! With hatred in our hearts, we will make the same mistake that the worshippers of the beast: try to rape the lamb of the Eternal One, so try to fill it with wrath against those who think to be target of divine judgment (Rev 6.16.17).

I know that this idea seems odd, but the truth is that the followers of the beast will be worshipping him as if he was the Christ. And if we are praying full of violence against our neighbor, we are committing the same mistake that they, as well as of diluvial believers (Gen 6.13), of the believers of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 18.20,21) , and even the same error of Peter:

 

·       "Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men." (Matt 16.22,23).

 

The antichrist is known by speaking of the things of the world (1 John 4.4.5), and who prays to Christ with a view only the things of this world, ends up becoming so miserable as this (1 Corinthians 15.19) and, inevitably, will want to convert Jesus to His own image and likeness.

However, if we want our needs met (Matthew 6.25-33), we have to give the opportunity to that the realm of the Eternal One can rest in us. And this will only happen when the whole spirit of accusation in our life is expelled (Rev 12.10), and we see the reproach of the people against us, not as a hindrance, but as one more opportunity that Jesus is giving us to know Him better.

Finally, we think: 

Will WE ASK FOR SOMETHING TO JESUS IN OUR PRAYERS?

·       "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (Phil 4.6).

 

Note how our petitions should be known at all before the Eternal One. Comes the question: Ask to whom? To whom should we seek? At the door of who should we beat?

At first this response may seem obvious. However, think: if it is to ask the Eternal One, then our petition is already known before Him, what makes Philippians 4.6 an excerpt irrelevant.

In addition, think in Rev 7.9:

 

·       "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;" (Rev 7.9).

 

Note how these redeemed do not need to ask. Comes the question: if it is to ask something to Jesus, then why do we need to ask and they do not? If the Eternal Oneknows what we need, then why ask (Psalms 139.4; Matt 6.32)? 

Analyze the passages related to ask in Scripture: 

 

·        "Judge not, that ye be not judged. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:" (Matt 7.1,7);

·        "And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: and there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary." (Luke 18.1-3).

·        "From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts." (James 4.1-3).

·        "And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. And I say unto you, ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." (Luke 11.5-9).

 

Notice that, when the Holy Scripture teaches us to ask, is not referring to our needs (see Matt 6.31,32), much less to our desires. Instead, has to do with the individuals that the Eternal One put in our lives. 

That is, the Holy Scripture is not teaching us to ask something to Jesus. Rather, it is instructing us on how we address those individuals when we go to them to ask for something. Our requests must be known before the Eternal One, i.e., we must always ask in order to awaken in individuals the goodness of Christ, namely, the desire to do something good.