Why Prayer is More than Petitioning God

Daily Devotional – Tuesday, June 4, 2024
Before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear.
Isaiah 65:24 (NKJV)

A few weeks ago, I had an encounter with God that changed my prayer attitude. A relative asked me for the equivalent of USD 40 to address a critical need. I told my kin not to worry because God would supply the money. In reality, I had no idea where the money would come from.

Before they call, I Will Answer

The following morning, a friend came to visit me in the office. We spent about an hour catching up. He explained how well his business was doing and appreciated the critical role I played in founding the enterprise. When the time came for him to leave, he gave me a cheque worth exactly the amount I had asked God for!

Later, as I reflected joyfully on this miracle, I remembered Isaiah 65:24, where God promises, “Before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear.” Long before I had approached God to ask for the money, He had already made provision for it. All He wanted was for me to ask, then trust Him to answer.

Why Prayer is More than Petitioning God

I realized that knowing that even before we ask, God already understands our concerns and has a solution for them would transform prayer time into genuine communion with God instead of another visit to heaven’s Automated Teller Machine (ATM).

Today, as you pray, remember that God has already answered your prayers. He wants you to trust Him fully as you wait for the tangible results. Instead of spending the largest chunk of your prayer time making personal appeals, engage in more intercession for others and express gratitude to God. Indeed, prayer is more than petitioning God.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, teach me to turn my prayers into a deep communion with You, not just a session of begging.