READ: Mark 14:32-42
“…The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].” – James 5:16 (AMPC)
Most of the important lessons on prayer can be learned from Jesus Himself. Jesus knows all about the Father. Whatever He does in relation to the Father is what we should learn from. How did Jesus talk to His Father? He prayed from His heart. He prayed His feelings out loud. He even prayed His negative thoughts to the Father (Matthew 27:46). He cried and said, “O God, why have you forsaken me?” God wants to hear your heart!
You must tell God what you really think! If you are ever to be close to God, you must start by praying from your heart! When Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane, He challenged the Father. Whilst on His knees, He pointed out an amazing truth to the Father.
He said, “If you really want to, you can prevent this whole cross experience. All things are possible to you. I know you can stop this bad experience.” The Father was listening carefully as His Son prayed.
Jesus knew that the Father had an infinite number of possibilities available to Him. This was a heartfelt prayer. Jesus concluded with the Father and said, “Whatever you decide, I will be ready to flow with it.” His Father in Heaven decided to go ahead with the cross. The heartfelt prayer did not offend the Father.
God is not offended when you pray from your heart; you rather endear yourself to Him. You irritate God when you pretend in His presence. Notice the comment Jesus made about hypocrites who pretend to pray to Him (Mark 12:40). He said they would have a greater damnation for those pretentious prayers.