Lent Through African EyesНамуна
God Wants to Answer Your Prayer
Jesus returns to the theme of persistence in prayer in his Sermon on the Mount. While Lent is a time of fasting from food and other luxuries, fasting is not a way to compel God to answer our prayer. As we fast, are we trying to force God to respond or are we trusting Him?
From an Africa Study Bible application note:
Our confidence to approach God is based on our faith in Jesus Christ. We come to God based on our understanding of who He is and what He can do, rather than who we are or what we can do. God hears us and is gracious and merciful. Nothing is too hard for Him to do.
Praying with confidence means trusting God even though we cannot see Him with our eyes or touch Him with our hands. He can do mighty wonders among His children as He chooses. This kind of prayer is different from the prayer of idol worshippers who can have no confidence in their images that they can actually see and touch. The invisible God can hear; the image is deaf.
When Christians pray in faith, they pray to the all-powerful (omnipotent) and all-present (omnipresent) God. Let us approach this great God believing He is able to give when we ask in His name and according to His will (1 John 3:21-22). The more we realise He loves us, the more passionate we will become when we pray.
Today:
Create a “prayer capsule”. On a piece of paper write down two or three needs that you have found it difficult trust God with. Pray a prayer of trust over them. Place them in an envelope and seal it to be opened at the end of the year. Ask God to help you not to worry about those needs until you open the envelope.
Scripture
About this Plan
Africans throughout history have shaped Christian thought and contemplative practice. Starting Ash Wednesday, explore the Lenten themes of prayer, fasting, repentance, and alms-giving. Sojourn with Jesus’ disciples from his baptism to Holy Week. Abide with him in temptation. Hear the crowd shout—celebrating, then condemning. Watch Simon of Cyrene carry the cross. Witness the crucifixion with Mary. Join a biblical pilgrimage to prepare your heart for Jesus’ passion and resurrection.
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