Category: Today’s Word

Psalm 100:4-5.  Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.
⁵ For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
    his faithfulness continues through all generations.

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When we lift our voices in praise during prayer, the Triune God comes and dwells among us: “Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises” (Ps 22:3). The glory of God fills the place of prayer, and His power begins to move among us.

That’s exactly what happened to Paul and Silas in prison: “About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly, there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once, all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose” (Acts 16:25–26).

Why is praise so powerful? Because praise is more than saying, “I believe.” It is the confirmation of our faith. In praise, we proclaim that Christ is the final answer to our lives and the solution to every problem and circumstance.

Do you know how King Jehoshaphat defeated the armies of Moab and Ammon? Assured of God’s covenant with His people, Jehoshaphat placed the temple singers in front of the army, dressed in their sacred robes, to praise the Lord. They marched ahead, singing: “Give thanks to the Lord; His faithful love endures forever!” (2 Chron 20:21). Placing a choir before the army—that is complete reliance on God, acknowledging that the battle belongs to Him.

And God responded in an astounding way: “As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated… When the men of Judah came to the place that overlooks the desert and looked toward the vast army, they saw only dead bodies lying on the ground; no one had escaped” (2 Chron 20:22–24). This is the power of praise!

When we come before God in prayer, we must do so as those approaching the throne of a king (Ps 100:4–5). With thanksgiving and praise, we humbly acknowledge His absolute sovereignty and power. We entrust our cares, hopes, dreams, and struggles to Him.

To meet the King of the universe is to come face-to-face with the end of all impossibilities. Nothing is too hard for Him. His goodness, love, and faithfulness ensure that His perfect work will be accomplished in us. So let us lay our requests before our King and wait with expectation (Ps 5:3).

If we forget our Father and give in to unbelief, worry, and discouragement, we will be torn apart—and nothing in this world can save us. But when we offer praise and thanksgiving for His glory, we will witness His power and receive answers to our prayers (Ps 50:22–23).

If you are in trouble or surrounded by darkness, do not be afraid. Instead, pray and praise God. Let your praise be a declaration of your faith in Him.

Your true King, Jesus, will strike the head of your enemy, the devil, once more (Gen 3:15). The peace of God will crush Satan under your feet (Rom 16:20). And God will prepare a table before you in the presence of your enemies—a celebration of victory (Ps 23:5).

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Prayer. Father, I praise You with all my heart. I praise You for who You are and all You have done for me in Christ. I thank You for the victory over my enemy and for the hope and future You have prepared for me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1 Thessalonians 5:18. Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

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The most accurate way to confirm the work of God in our lives is through the fulfillment of His Word and His answers to our prayers. For this reason, we must know the Word deeply and accurately. Then, in God’s perfect time, we will begin to see precise answers to what we pray for.

Jesus assured us of this when He said, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24). But how do we believe we have received what we asked for? Through the prayer of thanksgiving.

We begin by giving thanks to our Father for what He has already done to resolve our fundamental problems. Scripture says, “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins” (Ephesians 2:1). The root of all our problems is spiritual—living without knowing God. Humanity, separated from its Creator, has been bound by death and sin since the beginning.

Yet, driven by His great love for us, God sent His Son to give us life and freedom in Christ. This is the greatest gift, and the first reason for our thanksgiving. God also freed us from the grip of the one who holds the power of death—the devil. As it is written, “You used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient” (Ephesians 2:2). From the moment we were cut off from God, all people came under Satan’s control, following the ways of the world and suffering spiritual, emotional, and physical consequences.

But God, in His mercy, saved us from Satan’s curse and the destiny of hell by offering His only Son on the cross. Jesus’ death was the most powerful display of God’s love for us. Through Him, we also receive the power to overcome our weaknesses and sinful nature. “All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath” (Ephesians 2:3). But now, we no longer need to live according to the desires of the flesh. We no longer chase the things of the world or bow down to false gods—we live to serve the living God.

All of this is made possible because of God’s love, mercy, and grace. “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:4–6). There is no prayer more pleasing to our Father than one of thanksgiving for the salvation He has given and for the freedom from the power of Satan. Thanksgiving, then, must be the foundation of our prayers: “Give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Not only are we saved, but we have become children of God who no longer need to worry about anything in life. Jesus said,

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:26–27).

Knowing this, we now seek God’s will above our own, trusting that His ways are higher. In every circumstance, we experience His peace. This is the life He promised us—and for this, we give thanks.

Even our troubles and hardships become reasons to pray: “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray” (James 5:13). Difficulties can become the very opportunity to experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit. They help us focus only on Christ and the kingdom of God. Our prayers, when grounded in God’s covenant, are powerful and effective (James 5:16). Like Elijah, we will witness that nothing is impossible with prayer (James 5:17–18).

God allows our current situations so that we can experience the power of Christ working in us and through us. That’s why even trials become occasions for joy and gratitude: “Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2). Before asking God for anything, reflect on what He has already given you in Christ. Instead of complaining or blaming others, ask God to open your eyes to His good, pleasing, and perfect will.

Let your heart return to thanksgiving. Gratitude is the highest form of worship to our Father (Psalm 95:2–3) and the most powerful weapon against the enemy (Job 1:20–22).

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Prayer. Father, I thank You for who I am and what I have in Christ. It is only by Your love, mercy, and grace that I can call You my Father. So I come and worship You with songs of thanksgiving. Assured of Your promises, I will give You thanks in all circumstances. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Matthew 5:23-24. Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, ²⁴ leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. 

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Jesus taught that there are three things we must do before we pray. First, we must reconcile with others. Division within families, churches, and even nations is a key strategy of Satan. When family members are not living in harmony, this can lead to failure in every area of life.

Unity is possible only in Christ. When we make an effort to see one another through the lens of the gospel, we can understand and accept our differences. We begin to see the root cause of many problems dissolve. Scripture gives us a clear example in the relationship between husbands and wives: “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers” (1 Peter 3:7).

How we treat others has a direct impact on our prayers. When we begin to understand the spiritual struggles hidden in each person, the blessings of God will begin to unfold. In Today’s Word, Jesus emphasized that if church members do not make peace with one another, even their worship and offerings lose meaning.

Paul affirmed Jesus’ words when he wrote to the church in Ephesus: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope… one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:2–6). A church united like this cannot be overcome by Satan.

Jesus also urged us to place God first. He said, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). He taught us to keep our priorities in order. If we pray out of greed or selfish desires, we will miss God’s greater plan for us (Luke 9:23–25).

This is why Jesus commanded us to seek first His kingdom—the gospel, salvation, and the work of evangelism—so that Satan’s kingdom may fall wherever we go. And how do we do that? By proclaiming the righteousness of God, the message of the cross. Jesus calls us to pray for what God desires most: saving lives.

God already knows our weaknesses. What He wants to know is where our hearts truly lie—whether we are filled with godly sorrow or worldly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10). He wants us to care about what breaks His heart, and to make that the center of our prayers.

When our hearts and minds are set on things above, God will provide everything we need for the sake of the gospel. Open your eyes to the urgency of the mission. Go all-in on God’s kingdom and His righteousness.

Jesus also warned us not to judge others. He said, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged… Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:1–5).

Before we pray, we must examine ourselves. Our words have power. Instead of judging others, we are called to speak words of grace, understanding, and forgiveness (Matthew 5:24).

We must stop trying to get even with those who hurt us. Instead, we should ask God to bless them. We do this because we, too, have been chosen to receive a blessing. Let us keep our words pure and avoid speaking anything that wounds or deceives (1 Peter 3:8–12).

It’s time to change the way we think and pray. Restore the prayer that Jesus taught us. This is the pathway to answered prayer.

Nothing can destroy you because you carry the life of Christ. Nothing can overcome you because you walk in His power.

Start praying like a true child of God. Start praying for what will last forever. And start experiencing the power of prayer that truly changes everything.

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Prayer. Father, thank You for reminding me of what I must do before I pray. Help me to seek what matters most to You. Help me to go all-in on Your kingdom and Your righteousness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Matthew 6:9-13. This, then, is how you should pray:

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If someone does not know the gospel, they should not expect to receive answers to prayer. Without knowing that Jesus is the Christ, one cannot see the kingdom of God, and therefore cannot truly seek it. Jesus said, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

What is the kingdom of God? It is the reign and rule of God—the very heart of the gospel. Without an understanding of this kingdom, one cannot experience “all these things” that are promised within it. Jesus taught us to pray for the kingdom of God to come everywhere. When we proclaim the mystery of Christ in our mission fields, the kingdom of God will surely come there.

This is essential because the whole world lies under the control of the evil one, Satan (1 John 5:19). The disasters in this world stem from one root cause: spiritual ignorance. If we do not proclaim the One who came to destroy the power of Satan, sin, and hell, people will remain in darkness and suffer under the dominion of Satan. That is why we must never stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ—every day, and in every place (Acts 5:42).

Jesus also taught us to seek the will of God first: “Your will be done.” When we lay down our hidden motives and selfish desires, we will see God’s answers to our prayer. As Paul said, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

Jesus did not associate Himself with those whose hearts were filled with selfish motives. After a miraculous sign, the people said, “He must be the Prophet who is coming into the world.” But Jesus, knowing they intended to make Him king by force, withdrew to the hills by Himself (John 6:14–15).

Therefore, we must pray for what God desires—not for what we want—to be done here on earth, just as it is in heaven. The purpose of our prayer is to discover His pleasing and perfect will, for His kingdom to come, and for His name to be made known throughout the world.

When we pray, we must entrust ourselves to God for our daily needs. Jesus said, “Give us today our daily bread,” and reminded us not to worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” Those are the concerns of those who do not know God. Our heavenly Father knows that we need all these things (Matthew 6:31–32). Renew your trust in your Father, who deeply cares for you. Make Him Lord over every area of your life.

Scripture declares that you are the most blessed person on earth. Because of what Christ has done on the cross, all your sins have been forgiven. Jesus, our True Priest, has set you free from the bondage of sin and death—original sin (Romans 3:23), generational sin (Exodus 20:4–5), and the actual sins we’ve committed (Romans 14:23). Through the blood of Jesus Christ, God finds no fault in you. He remembers your sins no more (Isaiah 43:25), and has removed them as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). In His great compassion, God has trampled your sins underfoot and cast them into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:19).

No one can condemn you anymore. Do not be deceived by the enemy, the devil. Enjoy your freedom in Christ and carry this good news to others who are trapped in guilt and shame. You have been forgiven—so forgive others: “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

When facing temptation, recognize the true nature of the battle. “Lead us not into temptation.” Our struggle is not against people. When unexpected problems arise, don’t blame others or your circumstances. Instead, ask God to open your eyes to the spiritual reality and help you discover His perfect plan in all things.

Your heavenly Father will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. He will always provide a way out so that you can endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13). If you respond to temptation with prayer and thanksgiving, the peace of God will guard your heart and mind (Philippians 4:6–7). Do not be surprised by what happened to you: troubles, conflicts, and crises. Stand firm on God’s covenant of world evangelization, and He will advance the gospel through all this.

Most importantly, be aware of your enemy. Though our True King Jesus crushed his head, Satan is still at work, leading the whole world astray (Revelation 12:9). He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Only the name of Jesus has the power to overcome the devil’s schemes. Without relying on Christ’s authority in prayer, we have no chance against the evil one. So we pray, “Deliver us from the evil one.”

We must be careful not to seek our own interests or glory. As Scripture reminds us, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). When we pray with selfish motives, aiming for our own recognition, we lose the greater reward: “They have already received their reward in full” (Matthew 6:5). God will not allow His name to be dishonored, nor will He share His glory with another (Isaiah 48:11). Everything we are and everything we have is purely by His grace.

For His is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.

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Prayer. Father, I thank You for teaching me what to pray for. So I will stop worrying and start seeking Your kingdom and Your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Matthew 6:9. This, then, is how you should pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”

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Answered prayers require faith. As Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” But what kind of faith does this require? It is faith in the power of God.

God still works powerfully through His Spirit in the lives of His people, fulfilling His Word. The individuals listed in Hebrews 11 often appeared to be perishing, yet their unwavering faith in God’s power prevailed: “The world was not worthy of them” (Hebrews 11:38).

When we pray, we must not rely on our own thoughts and ways, but on God’s, for His thoughts are higher than ours and His ways far beyond our understanding (Isaiah 55:8–9). We should not limit our prayers to the scope of our present circumstances. The power of God transcends all human comprehension. We must learn to see from His perspective. He is Jehovah, the One who makes a way in the wilderness and brings forth streams in the wasteland (Isaiah 43:19).

A prayer based on our own standards, apart from God’s power and will, is not truly prayer at all. Only those who genuinely believe in God’s power will see answers to their prayers.

To possess such faith, we must begin by knowing who God is—”Our Father in heaven.” God is spirit. He is all-present, all-knowing, and all-powerful. He cannot be confined or limited. Anything with limits cannot be God; it is an idol. God created the universe by the power of His Word and continues to sustain and govern all things from His throne. And this infinite God is our Father. This is why we receive answers to prayer when we come in the name of Jesus.

Even before we pray, God knows the condition of our faith and our attitude toward Him. Therefore, we must seek to know Him more deeply. As Paul prayed, “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better” (Ephesians 1:17).

The best way to know God is through His Word, where He reveals Himself. Scripture and prayer go hand in hand; they cannot be separated, as Jesus said, ” If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7).

There is no name like the name of our God. His name is holy (Psalm 33:21), and it brings protection (Psalm 20:1), salvation (Psalm 20:5), righteousness (Psalm 23:5), goodness (Psalm 52:9), and deliverance from sin (Psalm 79:9). His name is absolute (Isaiah 42:8). Jesus came in His name (Matthew 21:9) and revealed it to those whom God had given Him (John 17:6). This is the name of the Triune God (Matthew 28:19).

When David faced Goliath, he declared, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” (1 Samuel 17:45). Even in his darkest hour, David proclaimed, “He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3). Like David, we must come before God with faith in His name.

When his nation was on the verge of destruction, Hezekiah prayed, “Now, therefore, O Lord our God, I pray, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the Lord God, You alone” (2 Kings 19:19). He placed his trust and the fate of his people in the name of God.

God has given us the name by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). The name of Jesus is above every name, and at His name, every knee will bow—in heaven, on earth, and under the earth (Philippians 2:9–10). Anything is possible when we pray in His name (John 14:14; 16:24). It is a name like no other. When you believed, you were given the right to come before the throne of your Father and receive answers to prayer.

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Prayer. Father, I come before You now, relying on who You are and the power of Your name. Lead me in the path of righteousness for the sake of Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Matthew 16:19. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

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When we confessed and believed that Jesus is the Christ, God gave us the keys to His kingdom. We were given full access to what is His and can enjoy every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 1:3–14).

The Holy Spirit, who lives in us, helps us understand what God has freely given to us (2 Corinthians 2:12). We possess the authority to move heaven and earth in Jesus’ name. Our prayers can open every door.

One of the highest privileges we have is to pray for others. Scripture tells us that we have an anointing from the Holy One to carry out the task of a priest on behalf of others (1 John 2:20).

When the Israelites rebelled against God and worshiped a golden calf, God’s anger burned against them. He was prepared to destroy them and start over with Moses. But Moses interceded, reminding God of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, to whom He had sworn by His own name.

Because of Moses’ prayer, God changed His mind and had compassion on His people. He did not bring the disaster He had threatened (Exodus 32:9–14). That is the power of intercession.

Still, about 3,000 people died that day because of their idolatry. Moses prayed, “Oh, what a great sin these people have committed! They have made themselves gods of gold. But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written” (Exodus 32:32).

Moses repented on behalf of the people and pleaded for God’s grace and mercy. He stood in the gap for his people, laying down his life in prayer before the Lord. God was pleased with his prayer.

In the same way, we have been given the privilege to intercede for others. We repent for the sins of our families and our nation and ask for God’s mercy. In the Old Testament, the priests’ primary role was to intercede for the people through sacrifice and prayer. We now walk in that same priestly privilege, interceding on behalf of unbelieving family members, friends, our communities, and the world.

When we pray in Jesus’ name, the power of Satan that has closed doors in our lives and mission fields begins to collapse. “But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house” (Matthew 12:28–29).

Through prayer, we can tie up the “strong man.” That is the authority God gave us when we believed. Jesus, who has all authority in heaven and on earth, is our eternal foundation. And the Spirit of God, who created the universe, lives in us. When we rely on His authority and rebuke the devil in Jesus’ name, the enemy will be bound and flee from us.

Let us hold onto this promise and devote ourselves to prayer. God will open every door in our mission fields for the sake of the gospel (Acts 2:1–13). He will fill us with His power so we can be Christ’s witnesses to the ends of the earth.

There are no doors God cannot open. When the church prayed earnestly for Peter while he was in prison, God sent an angel to open the prison gate and rescue him (Acts 12:5–10).

So do not be discouraged when doors appear closed. Do not worry about anything. Listen to the One who lives in you: “These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open” (Revelation 3:7).

He is with you always, to the very end of the age. Use the keys He has given you. Unleash the power of prayer all day, every day, in Jesus’ name.

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Prayer. Father, I come before You on behalf of my family, school, workplace, the nation, and the world. Have mercy on them so that they might turn to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Luke 11:13. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!

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Why does prayer change everything? Jesus answered that question: When we pray, our Father in heaven will give us the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13).

But didn’t the Holy Spirit already come to us when we believed? Doesn’t the Bible say, “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” (1 Corinthians 3:16). What then did Jesus mean in Today’s Word?

When we believe and receive Jesus as the Christ, the Holy Spirit comes into our lives and seals us as God’s own. At that moment, we are given the identity of God’s children—a status that can never be revoked. However, just because we’ve become children of God does not mean we instantly enjoy all the blessings that come with it.

A baby born into a royal family is immediately a prince, but until he matures and is trained, he cannot inherit the throne or rule the kingdom. Even if he faces hardship or limitations, his royal identity does not change. Yet he cannot fully enjoy his rights as a prince until he grows.

In the same way, once the Holy Spirit enters our lives, our identity as children of God is permanent. Regardless of circumstances, that identity remains. But although we are saved, we may not always experience the mystery and privileges of being God’s children. Spiritual immaturity can prevent us from enjoying those blessings. Only as we mature in the gospel can we begin to live in that identity.

This growth doesn’t come through human effort but through the grace of God. The One who helps us live as God’s children is the Holy Spirit, our Counselor. We were once in darkness without hope, but by God’s grace we were saved. And it is by that same grace—not law-keeping or good works—that we begin to realize and enjoy our identity as God’s children. This is entirely the work of the Holy Spirit.

That work begins when we pray. The Holy Spirit leads us into God’s grace and mercy. The best way to live victoriously and experience the privileges of being God’s children is by following the guidance of the Holy Spirit. For unbelievers, nothing is more urgent than salvation. But for believers, nothing is more vital than the work of the Holy Spirit, who enables them to enjoy their identity and authority in Christ.

There is no greater gift in prayer than receiving the Holy Spirit of grace. When the Spirit works in us, everything changes—because He is the Spirit of Christ, and Christ is the answer to everything. When the Spirit of Christ fills our lives, every problem meets its solution.

Through the Spirit, our old habits and nature begin to fade. We still struggle with things like negative thinking, fear, complaints, selfishness, and addiction. Many try to overcome these on their own and fall into despair when they fail. They may think they lack faith, but legalistic striving is not faith. True faith is resting in God’s grace. Only by the Holy Spirit’s power can we be set free from our old selves. That’s the good news.

We have nothing to boast about—it is all God’s grace. When we understand that the same God who saved us is the One who continues to change us through His Spirit, we can live with humility and freedom. This is why receiving the Holy Spirit through prayer is the greatest answer we can receive.

So come before your Father’s throne with confidence. There, you will find grace, mercy, and help in your time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

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Prayer. Father, I come before You with the confidence You’ve given me through faith in Christ. May Your Spirit work in my spirit, soul, heart, mind, and body when I pray. Heal me, restore me, and help me grow more into Your image. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Hebrews 4:16. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

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The moment we received and believed in Jesus as the Christ, we were given the right to become children of God (John 1:12). As God’s children, we now have the privilege to approach His throne of grace with confidence and receive answers to our prayers. These answers do not come because of anything we’ve done, but simply because of who we are—His beloved children.

God has also given us the name of Jesus as our guarantee: “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” (John 16:24)

The name of Jesus is the master key that opens every door in heaven and on earth (Matthew 16:19). That’s why our prayers, offered in His name, are powerful and effective (James 5:16).

When we pray, it’s vital that we pray with an earnest heart and clear requests. Jesus illustrated this through a parable:

“Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity, he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.” (Luke 11:5–8)

This is how we are to come to our Father—in boldness and confidence. By the blood of Jesus, we have access to the Most Holy Place. Through Him, a new and living way has been opened to us (Hebrews 10:19–20).

So don’t lose heart when you pray. Trust the One who does not delay in answering. Jesus reminded us:

“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: ‘In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’For some time, he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’And the Lord said, ‘Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?’” (Lk 18:1-8).

In the parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge, Jesus taught that if even an indifferent judge could be moved by persistence, how much more will our loving Father respond to those who cry out to Him day and night. He will bring justice swiftly.

God is not like the unjust judge. He listens intently, like a tender Father leaning in to hear His child: “Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath.” (Psalm 116:2)

When trials and suffering come—especially for the sake of the gospel—don’t give in to discouragement. Keep bringing your case before the righteous Judge. He will answer in His perfect time. So, give all your worries to Him. Turn every concern into a prayer:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7)

Every problem is an opportunity to experience God’s power and an invitation to prayer. When you respond with thanksgiving and trust, you’ll be filled with God’s peace and begin to see His answers unfold in your life.

You are no longer a child of the devil—you are a child of the Most High God. You have been born from above. So, pray like a child of heaven.

Ask for what is above. Draw down every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms into your everyday life. Through your prayer, the reality of God’s kingdom can break through here on earth.

And when it does, the kingdom of Satan will fall. Wherever God sends you, people living in darkness will see the light of the gospel.

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Prayer. Father, help me pray like a child of the Most High God. Strengthen my faith and help me overcome any unbelief when I come before You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Matthew 6:31-33. So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 

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Everyone prays in one way or another. Religious people pray. Those without faith pray. Even those who claim not to believe in God still pursue the things of this world with all their heart, mind, and strength—that, in itself, is a kind of prayer. Whatever dominates a person’s thoughts becomes their prayer. But the real question is: to whom are these prayers actually offered?

It’s worth asking: why and how do unbelievers receive answers to their prayers? All religions practice some form of prayer. But how can prayers offered to idols produce results? And how do leaders of cults or false religions display supernatural power?

The truth is, unbelievers can and often do receive what they ask for. But in the end, it leads to ruin: “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death” (Proverbs 14:12). The source of those answers is not God—it’s the father of lies, the devil (John 8:44). These answers are deceptive, designed to lead people further away from the truth. Many are fooled, simply because what they asked for appeared to come true.

Without understanding salvation, a person cannot truly pray to God. Adam’s original position in the Garden of Eden was unique—God blessed him and gave him dominion over all creation: “Then God blessed them and said, ‘Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground’” (Genesis 1:28). This was a position of absolute blessing and authority.

But when humanity lost paradise, we were utterly separated from the glory and presence of God (Genesis 3:11–15). As a result, suffering, disease, and death entered the world. All people began to follow the ways of the world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air—the devil (Ephesians 2:2). Every person was destined for eternal destruction.

Worst of all, we lost the privilege to pray to God.

Now, under the devil’s control, people desire to carry out his will (John 8:44). In his dominion, there is no true peace, no real rest. That’s why people constantly worry, asking, “What shall we eat?” “What shall we drink?” “What shall we wear?” Trapped in anxiety and fear, they chase after these things because they belong to the family of darkness. They fall into all kinds of deception, just like the Samaritans who were captivated by Simon the sorcerer for a long time (Acts 8:9–13).

Scripture makes it clear that answers to the prayers of unbelievers do not come from God: “Do I mean then that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons” (1 Corinthians 10:19–20). In other words, what they receive in response to their prayers comes from demons. And the “solutions” they experience only lead to greater suffering and deeper bondage.

At times, people achieve success or see dreams come true without ever worshiping God. This may result from strong willpower or intense desire. Under God’s common grace, when people focus their energy on a goal, some things do come to pass. But these accomplishments do not provide the true, fundamental answer that only God can give. In fact, the result may be worse than before:

“When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation” (Matthew 12:43–45).

God chooses whom He listens to—only His children. The answers that come from the Father are entirely different from the deceptive gifts of the enemy. That’s why anyone who approaches God in prayer must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Everyone who had this faith conquered the world (Hebrews 11:38).

When you pray, remember who God is and who you are. Believe that nothing is impossible with your Father. Prayer that is based on human standards or self-effort is not true prayer. Your Father is the Creator, who made all things from nothing by His Word. He is the one who makes a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland (Isaiah 43:19). His ways and thoughts are far higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8–9).

He dwells in you by His Spirit and works powerfully through you when you pray in Jesus’ name. He fulfills His promises found in His Word. So pray with faith in Him. Ask not for what you want, but for what He desires—His kingdom and His righteousness. That is the heart of prayer for those who are truly God’s children.

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Prayer. Father, I thank You for the privilege of prayer that I have in Jesus Christ. Help me to pray as Your child—enjoying You, trusting You, and seeking what You desire. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

John 15:16. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

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Until Jesus returns, we will face hardships, temptations, and the schemes of the devil. But nothing in this world can ultimately harm us if Jesus—who has all authority in heaven and on earth—is with us to the very end of the age.

All we need to do is pray in His name and command in His name. When we truly understand this, we understand the gospel. And when we remain in Him, His authority and power within us will naturally be revealed.

Scripture teaches two kinds of prayer: presenting our requests as a child of God (Philippians 4:6), and commanding by the authority of Jesus Christ.

For example, Peter didn’t ask for healing when he met the crippled man at the temple gate (Acts 3:1–5). He boldly declared the name of Jesus: “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” (Acts 3:6).

Many believers don’t pray this kind of commanding prayer simply because they don’t know the power in His name or don’t know how to use the authority of Christ contained in His name. This is why they are defeated in spiritual battles against the enemy.

Sadly, there are also false prophets who misuse the name of Jesus to deceive (Matthew 24:4–5; Acts 19:13–16). They chase after selfish desires, glorify shameful things, and are enslaved by ambition and greed (Philippians 3:19). But their end is destruction.

On the other hand, many conservative Christian communities avoid commanding prayer—not necessarily because of disbelief, but often out of fear or spiritual misunderstanding. This, too, is part of the enemy’s strategy to silence the power of believers given from above.

To this end, we must reclaim and walk in our heavenly authority (Philippians 3:20). Do not be deceived or make peace with the devil—rebuke him in Jesus’ name. Resist him with Christ’s authority, and he will flee (James 4:7).

God has even given us the authority to mobilize His angel armies in the name of Jesus. Never let anyone steal that authority from you.

As we stand on the Word of God and pray in Jesus’ name, the devil is bound (Matthew 12:29), and angelic forces are activated (2 Kings 6:17). We must believe in this spiritual reality—and pass it on to the next generation.

Scripture assures us: “To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). And Jesus said: “Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete” (John 16:24).

When we pray with faith in Jesus’ name, our Father is glorified: “I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it” (John 14:13–14).

Prayer unlocks a fruitful life: “I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you” (John 15:16).

Before we pray, we must believe what happens when we pray. The Holy Spirit begins to work powerfully in us and through us (Acts 1:8; 1:14; 2:1–4), and the kingdom of Satan is pushed back (Matthew 12:25–28). Angels are dispatched to minister to us (Hebrews 1:14; Revelation 8:3–4).

God promises to answer and reveal great and unsearchable things (Jeremiah 33:3). But without faith, it’s impossible to please Him—we must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him earnestly (Hebrews 11:6).

Believing in God’s promises is key to powerful prayer. Abraham believed, and he received: “Since there was no one greater for him to swear by, God swore by himself… And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised” (Hebrews 6:13–14).

As you pray, seek God’s will: “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us” (1 John 5:14).

Discern His will through the Word, through through His Spirit, and your local church . But beware: selfish motives block answers to prayer (James 4:3).

Remember why Jesus gave us authority—to cast out demons (Mark 3:15), and to overcome all the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19). The world is under the devil’s control (1 John 5:19), and he is behind much of the chaos we see.

That’s why Jesus said: “How can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man?” (Matthew 12:29). When the saints take their stand in Christ’s authority, the devil is bound and defeated.

The world is filled with spiritual, emotional, and physical suffering. But Jesus gave us authority “to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness” (Matthew 10:1).

The name and authority of Jesus still break the works of the devil (1 John 3:8) and still bring the spiritually dead to life (Ephesians 2:1–5). By His name, the kingdom comes, God’s will is done, sins are forgiven, and protected from the evil one—even today (Matthew 6:10–12).

But take heed: “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened” (Psalm 66:18). God doesn’t condemn you—He loves you, knows your weakness, and has already laid your sin on His Son (Isaiah 53:6).

So don’t be afraid when God calls, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9). He seeks you not to punish, but to restore you through Christ’s blood. Just confess—He is faithful to forgive and cleanse you (1 John 1:9).

Now is the time to restore the joy of your salvation. Reclaim the authority of Jesus. Rediscover the power of prayer. Prayers offered in the name of Jesus Christ can change anything and open any door. So go—use His name and authority to heal the world.

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Prayer. Father, thank You for the name of Jesus that made me alive. Thank You for the authority that gives me power over Satan, sin, and hell. In the name and authority of Jesus, I will go now to heal this world, broken and burdened by darkness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.