When an email is sent, if there is no right email ID, it will not reach and may bounce back. A mail or courier cannot be sent without the receiver’s address. When prayers are not offered in God’s prescribed way, they are rejected. Here are four principles of prayer.
Ask
Ask and it shall be given to you. (Matthew 7:7) A believer should discern the need, have the humility to express dependence on God, and have faith that God answers prayers to pray. Saints of God do not receive because they did not ask. Probably they did not ask because of ignorance, laziness, lethargy, and lack of discernment.
Ask in His Name
All prayers should be in the Name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ as He is the only mediator. (John 14:13; I Timothy 2:5) Some people want to ask through dead people who are considered saints including the Virgin Mary, Apostles, and others who are living like Tele-evangelists. Prayers done through living or dead saints are not answered. Yes, as people of God, we can pray for others, but they cannot become mediators.
Ask without evil intention
Apostle James writes that some people did not receive answers to prayers, because their motivation and intention were neither righteous nor right. (James 4:3) God does not show favoritism. He is the righteous God of all humans. He does not take sides with believers to torment or oppress others. It is presumption and wrong belief to think God is with us to execute wicked revenge on those who oppose us. Such prayers, seeking revenge with evil intentions will not be answered.
Ask according to His will
The disciples of the Lord should have spiritual discernment and maturity. (I John 5:14-15) They should know the will, plan, and purpose of God. God’s will is pleasing, good, and perfect. (Romans 12:2) Discerning God’s will is a spiritual discipline. Immature disciples who do not study and mediate the Word of God, will not be able to know the Will of God.
How is my prayer life?