Many times when we do things, we would know whether it would result positively or otherwise. For example, if you write an exam, you would know maybe you answered the questions well or not. In fact, you can grade yourself before the result comes out, and believe me, if you are true to yourself, your scores will never be far from what you marked in your mind. One of the worst things that can ever happen to a man is deceiving himself. If you write rubbish and you are expecting an excellent outcome, then you must be a dreamer
How can we know our prayers would be answered?
As believers, we must know whether our prayers would be answered or not based on our relationship with our creator. We all know what we do in secret and also, how we relate with people. All these matters when it comes to prayer being answered. The uttermost criteria is to have a pure heart. We should never call on God with heart full of iniquity. 1 peter 3: 9-11
9. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing
10. For,“Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech
11. They must turn from evil and do good;they must seek peace and pursue it
We must not repay evil for evil. When someone offends us, we must find a place in our heart to forgive. There should be no malice. Some people would harbour grudges in their mind and use the same heart to seek blessings from God. The bible already cleared the air by saying "we should repay evil with blessing if we also want to receive blessing from God"
Also, if we want our prayers to be answered, doing good to others is never an option. It's compulsory. We must be at peace with all men. There are wicked people who want God to listen to them. Cain in the Bible wants his sacrifice to be accepted, but his heart is full of evil. He had grudges for his brother. And when you are praying with heart full of grudges, your prayer is hindered
It's very easy to think in our heart since none would hear it unless we speak it out. Many people come up with bad thoughts. For example, you see a girl wearing a mini skirt, and your mind starts beating fast as if you should bounce on her, and commit adultery. Though, you didn't do it physically, you've committed adultery spiritually with her, which is a sin according to the scripture. Matthew 15:19
For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander
Once we think it in our heart, we've tied ourselves to it already. Our evil mouth also has an effect on our prayers. Out of the mouth comes blessing, and courses, because the tongue is a fire. All animals can be tamed. The wildest animal we can think of can be tamed and rendered harmless to it's lord's. But no human can tame the tongue. However, the word of God can tame the tongue. We can allow God to control our tongue through his words.
As humans, the flesh has the power to control us, but we can learn to control the flesh through God's words. The tongue says yes and no all the time. Why don't let your eyes be yes and your no be no. Proverbs 31:26 says
She opens her mouth with wisdom and in her tongue is the law of kindness
She didn't speak ill words. She talks with respect to God's commandments. She didn't allow her mouth to speak things that contradicted the will of God. That's what God expect from us
When should we pray
Some people only pray when they are facing problems, or when in need. Whether in difficulty or comfort, we should always have contact with God on a daily basis. Luke 18:1
Men ought always to pray and not faint
We must pray in the morning and evening. Waking up to see the light of the day isn't by our doings. Only God give life. We should thank him for seeing another day, commit our days to his hands, and appreciate him for his loving kindness. In the evening after the day's activities, we should bless his name for seeing us through without encountering any danger, for his protection and guidance. We should let our prayer be concise and brief. Ecclesiastes 5:2
Do not be quick with your mouth or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few
Let's all listen to God through his words. Only the word of God can cleanse our heart. Thank God for bro Eli of MCGI for his teachings. We learn about the doctrines of Jesus Christ and I can say it's been awesome. May God strengthen his church
This is ckole the laughing gas.
One love