Rewards of Prayer and Renewal of Strength (Readings: Matt 6:5-15; Isa 40:27-41)
Level 1 Prayer of Children coming to God the Father
Rewards of Prayer
God promises to reward His spiritual children who practice godly piety in secret (Matt 6:4, 6, 18). Three examples are: giving, prayer, fasting. These are not the only good works done for the Father. In secret, means doing them consistently, even if no one is around. God the Father sees all things and knows all things. God will reward them.
If God knows all our needs, why present every request to Him? (Matt 6:8; Phil 4:6). This is the paradox of prayer.
Godly parents will give what their children need and refuse requests that are unhelpful. Two examples of helpful things are: healthy meals and wholesome activities. Two examples of unhelpful things are: exposure to drugs and bad company and skipping classes for trivial reasons.
As God’s spiritual children, we ask because we trust God to provide. He is the omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient God. Out of love, He sent Jesus His Only Begotten Son to be crucified on the Cross to redeem us and mold us to be conformed to the image of Christ.
Renewal of Strength
“Those who wait on the LORD shall renew or change their strength” (Isa 40:31). We wait on the LORD or hope in Him to grow stronger in our faith in Him. Prayer may not change the circumstances beyond our control. Prayer will change the way we know God and His will for us.
The end purpose of maturing faith is Christlikeness (Rom 8:29; Col 1:28; 1 Jn 3:3). God rewards His children when they pray as prayer builds trust in Him. “Steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD ” (Ps 32:10).
Further reading:
David W. Gooding, When Prayer is Difficult-Three Studies on What the Lord Promises to Us
Elder Yoong Yuen Soo
