Christian Prayer That Moves God's Heart - Part 3

This is the final part of this topic: How to build a true prayer life so that God's heart is moved. You can see the first part here, and you can see the second part here.

Sometimes being specific is very important. In the 1980s we bought a house with a housing association. We bought the house under the arrangement that 30% belonged to us and 70% belonged to the association. After 18 months we had to move, but at that time house prices had collapsed. Our place lost 14,000 pounds in value. We did not mind if the loss was shared 30/70, but we had not realized something specific in the contract. Profit would be shared 30/70, but any loss had to be borne entirely by us, with no exceptions. We negotiated with the association, but it took about a decade before we could sell the house without any significant loss.

Being non-specific can have a long-term impact. It will not be satisfying or meaningful if we are unwilling to speak about specific things in our requests. Jesus was specific. Look at the example of His prayer for Peter:

"But I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." (Luke 22:23)

In the previous two articles we discussed two principles. What moves God to act is, 1. When God is the One we seek, 2. If we are willing to be changed. Let us look at the third point.

Prayer will be satisfying if we are specific in our prayers

God answers prayer! This was also said by J. C. Ryle, “Prayer answers things that have been considered impossible or out of reach. It has conquered fire, air, earth, and water. Prayer divided the Red Sea. Prayer brought water out of the rock and bread from heaven. The sun stood still because someone prayed. Prayer brought fire down from heaven to consume Elijah's offering. There has been healing from sickness because of prayer. Prayer has raised the dead. Israel's enemies were defeated because of prayer. Prayer has helped bring transformation to so many souls.”

Some time ago I was praying with my friend. One of my prayers was for people who had left God. Two hours later, through a combination of things we had not expected, I walked to a place I had not planned to go. I ran into the child of a former church member. He said that his mother sends her greetings to me and that she wants to come to church. After that meeting she came to church and her sibling came with her too. A coincidence, or an answer to a specific prayer? I forget who said it, but I like the saying, “The more we pray, the more coincidences happen.” This happens when we pray specifically!

Let us seek His calming presence, let us open our hearts to submit to His will, and pray specifically so that He answers our requests.

Questions:

1. What makes you pray in a non-specific way?
2. What will you do differently after this?
3. Do you have an example of a specific answered prayer?

What else are we waiting for? Let us train our prayer nerves so that God will work!

Yours in Christ,

Malcolm

*Church GKDI is currently present in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every area. If you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at contact Church GKDI Official: WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 or Facebook / Instagram GKDI Official

Related article: A Guide to Christian Prayer According to the Passage of 'The Lord's Prayer'