Years ago, I heard a young man say something that got me thinking; “You don’t have to pray about everything. There are things you already have money and brain for. Why pray about such?” While I understand his intent, I saw a subtle temptation to jettison God and our dependency on Him.
Friend, you need to pray about everything. Prayer is a proof of dependency on God (Hebrews 4:15-16). What you pray for or about reveals your heart. God wants us to depend on Him, not just for some things, but for everything (John 15:5). If you still think you can do some things without God, you are a few steps away from backsliding.
Praying about everything does not mean you would suspend your brain. It means that you would let God have His way in your life (Matthew 26:39). Having money for something does not mean you should get it. Prayer helps you to know the mind of God concerning your decisions (Habakkuk 2:1).
God has given you a brain. But it is not meant to replace God (Jeremiah 17:5-9). Your brain is not meant to take the lead; your spirit should. Your spirit receives direction, your mind processes it, and your body acts it. Any attempt to adjust that order will land you in trouble. Your brain is too small to lead you (Zechariah 4:6).
Originally, prayer was not meant to fix problems. It is a platform of fellowship with God (Genesis 3:8). When your fellowship with God is intact, you won’t enter into problems, and your needs would be met. What God wants to achieve in having us pray about everything is fellowship (Philippians 4:6-7).
You must never get to a point in your life where prayer is no longer important (Philippians 3:10-14). Even when all your needs are met and you have all the resources you’d ever need, prayer should still be at the front burner of your life. No matter your age, status, location, or achievement, pray every time, everywhere, and for everything (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria