Jesus never mentioned unanswered prayer. He had the unlimited certainty of knowing that prayer is always answered. Do we have through the Spirit of God that inexpressible certainty that Jesus had about prayer, or do we think of the times when it seemed that God did not answer our prayer? Jesus said, “. . . everyone who asks receives . . .” (Matthew 7:8). Yet we say, “But . . . , but . . . .” God answers prayer in the best way— not just sometimes, but every time. However, the evidence of the answer in the area we want it may not always immediately follow. Do we expect God to answer prayer?

The danger we have is that we want to water down what Jesus said to make it mean something that aligns with our common sense. But if it were only common sense, what He said would not even be worthwhile. The things Jesus taught about prayer are supernatural truths He reveals to us.

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May 26, 2011

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Pray without ceasing…when I first read this scripture I wondered how can I do that? How is that possible? I have to work, eat, communicate and interact with others. How can I pray all the time and still be functional? I thought this scripture was about other kinds of Christians; monks or people without daily responsibilities. Then one day I went looking for Jesus in everything I encountered.  I was so overwhelmed and devastated by my circumstances; I could not communicate or function. I needed God’s help for everything. And right there inside of my needs I discovered I could find Him in everything and everything in Him.

And God says…”Praying without ceasing is simply communicating and engaging God in all you do, all day every day. The reason you stop praying without ceasing is because you want to take control back on issues about which you do not want or think you need Me. You want to be God of your own life in certain situations…so you stop praying without ceasing and take back your life. And when you choose to take your life back I will release you and let you make your own choices. However, deep down you know that if you are to have your life, you must surrender it to Me. …… Matthew 16:25…. for whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. When you lose your life in Me you pray without ceasing. When you give me control of your life this is your way of life.”