Prayer: A Pathway to God

The Intercessor’s Corner

by Elder Tamu N. Hatcher

Family, are you feeling a bit overwhelmed and disconnected physically, mentally and/or spiritually amidst the chaos we see, hear, and discern concerning our lives and the future? Allow me to offer a powerful tool that will keep us grounded in the essentials, offer us peace in the midst, and provide the strength we need to endure and overcome:

PRAYER: Prayer connects us to someone greater than ourselves – God. As the Creator of everyone and everything, we should take full advantage of the relationship we have with Him as His creation.  Prayer is the means for the believer to communicate with God. The late Billy Graham defined prayer as “spiritual communication between God and man, a two-way relationship in which man should not only talk to God but also listen to Him.

Matthew 7:7-8(NIV) reads, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened”.  This passage of scripture is an important part of Jesus’ teaching about prayer. It speaks of three kinds of prayer that should be part of the Believer’s walk.

For this submission, let’s talk about the “ask” of prayer.  Asking is the first kind of prayer. Ask means to “make a request”.  Asking God and receiving what you ask for builds your faith. Years ago, I wanted to purchase my first car. I approached my search with a combination of faith and specificity. I searched the Bible for scriptures that aligned with what I was asking God for and began to pray. I reminded God of His promise of provision and was specific in my request for a red convertible Chrysler LeBaron. I was young with no credit but I believed God. I shared with a couple of my co-workers that I was looking to purchase a car, but I was not yet credit-worthy to get a loan.

It was suggested that I go through my Credit Union to get funding. I was approved for a $15,000 loan with a low interest rate. Ultimately, I found a 1988 red convertible Chrysler LeBaron for sale and paid $12,000! God’s answer to that request ignited my faith and trust in Him as Provider!

I strongly encourage you to spend time with God in prayer to discover the many benefits you have access to as a believer. If you have an “ask”, grab a couple of scriptures for support and begin to pray for the outcome. Keep watch for God because He hears, knows, and answers.