Understand John 9:31
Prayer: Relationship or Formality?
Last night, I had a conversation with a wonderful young lady. She looked good and proper on the outside, but her heart was the opposite. God revealed the state of her heart to me. After our in-depth conversation, she said, "I don't even know how to pray." Then she started listing what she thought was the "order" of an effective prayer. She asked, "We need to start by praising God first, right?"
This was a fair assumption from her. Yes, I said assumption.
She explained that she was taught to think this way, which can be correct in a technical sense, but there were a few vital things out of place:
- She never prayed using her own heart-language; she didn't have a personal relationship with God.
- She was living a life that was self-serving rather than serving God.
This led to my question: "Who are you praising, and for what?" She said, "God—that's what the author of my prayer book said." The sad reality here was that her worship was based on someone else’s view. I asked her why she would praise someone she doesn't obey. After a pause, she said, "Because He is God and we have to praise Him." I spent time clarifying the heart of the matter, and she seemed to understand much better by the end of our talk.
Activity vs. Relationship
This is what led me to write to you, beloved. Do you have a mindset of "formality" with God, or do you have a relationship with Him? Many believers are deceived by what they think prayer is. They see it as a religious activity. Often, prayer becomes more about us than it is about the Father. My heart is heavy once again.
In Matthew 6:5-15, why did Jesus choose this particular topic? I believe that just like today, the people of His time were deceived about the nature of prayer.
Things to take note of:
- Prayer is a conversation with God.
- Prayer is a two-way street.
- There can’t be true prayer without a relationship.
- There can’t be a true relationship without obedience.
- There can’t be obedience without repentance.
- There can’t be repentance until one is ready to die.
The Challenge of the "Self"
Did I just say die? Yes—die to self. Many believe humanity's greatest challenge is "sin," but that isn't the full truth. Our greatest challenge is self-satisfaction. Hear me out. Originally, Adam and Eve didn't have a sinful nature; they had God’s nature fully. Just like Jesus, they had 100% of God’s nature. What they also had was free will. Free will is about the "self"—the desire to do what you want versus what God wants.
In the Garden of Eden, God gave mankind everything but access to one specific tree. He gave a clear command. The serpent didn't question if they were made in God's image; he questioned the command. It wasn't about the tree; it was about insubordination. Doing the opposite of what God clearly commanded meant they no longer carried the full nature of God, because there is no "bad" or "disobedience" in God.
Jesus vs. Adam
I don't believe the tree itself was evil; the scripture says it looked good. The consequences were purely due to disobedience.
Fast forward to Jesus. He also had the full nature of God and a free will. God gave Him a command: to suffer and die for all of humanity. Jesus came to atone for what Adam did. Before the Fall, Adam had God's nature and a human nature (free will). Because of disobedience, a third nature was introduced: the "sinful nature." While this nature is a problem, Jesus destroyed the power of sin on the cross.
Today, the real power remaining is the power of the Self. Before Jesus was arrested, He felt the weight of His human nature—fear, worry, and anxiety. He referred to Himself as both the "Son of God" and the "Son of Man." But unlike Adam, Jesus denied Himself. He died to His own will so He could obey God's will. Adam put himself above God; Jesus put Himself beneath God, saying, "Nonetheless, let Your will be done."
Checking Your Prayer Life
We often fail to allow God’s will to be done because we want what we want. The issue isn't just a "sinful nature," but a self-serving human nature. We choose our free will over God’s will, and it shows in our prayers.
Let’s look at that list again:
- Prayer is a conversation — But we treat it like a formal presentation with time restrictions.
- Prayer is two-way — But we just "FYI" God our problems and never wait to hear Him speak.
- Relationship is required — But we prioritize human relationships over Him.
- Obedience is key — But we lack the fear of God and "pick and choose" what to obey.
- Repentance is necessary — But we make excuses, saying "everyone else is doing it."
- Dying to self is the goal — But we refuse to deny ourselves if it goes against our comfort.
If we live this way, our prayers may just be empty words that don't reach the Father’s ears.
John 9:31 (EASY)
"We know that God does not listen to people who do not obey him. But he does listen to good people who do what he wants them to do."
God is not a solo dancer; He is a ballroom, waltz, and tango type of guy. He requires a partner who moves with Him.
A Prayer of Surrender
Father, forgive me for serving myself and choosing my will above Yours. Help me to die to myself by taking up my cross daily, just as my Lord Jesus did. Father, help me to no longer live in self-deception by ignoring what Your Word says. May Your Holy Spirit come upon me and teach me all things; help me to be righteous and holy just as You are. Thank you for sending Jesus so that I can start afresh. Please teach me how to always obey You and live a life of repentance, no matter the cost. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Beloved, I truly want you to experience an intimate, fulfilling relationship with God. I hope this helps you start your journey on the Narrow Path.
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