Repeating the same words over and over like a magic incantation is no way to ensure that God will hear your prayers. It is not wrong to come to God many times with the same requests – Jesus encourages persistent prayer. But he condemns the shallow repetition of words that are not offered with a sincere heart. We can never pray too much if our prayers are honest and sincere. Before you start to pray, make sure you mean what you say.

Read the “Prayer for Boldness” by the apostles in Acts 4:23-30
Notice how the believers prayed. Firstly, they praised God; then they told God their specific problem and asked for His help. They did not ask God to remove the problem, but to help them deal with it. This is a model for us to follow when we pray. We may ask God to remove our problems, and He may choose to do so. But we must recognise that often he will leave the problem in place and give us the strength and courage to deal with it.

Why Feel Guilty About Your Prayer Life?
Three main reasons for people feeling disappointed with their prayer lives are:
1. They try to imitate another person’s approach to prayer rather than developing an approach better suited to their personality.
2. They misunderstand the nature of God and fail to see Him as He really is — large hearted and magnanimous.
3. They have repeatedly prayed over a long period for what they believe should be God’s will for His children, but the prayer seemed unanswered.

Some great and good men and women may feel guilty because they did not pray enough or because their prayers were not sufficiently powerful. Do not feel obliged to follow a pattern of prayer used by others, but instead find one that is right for you. Though we can learn from others, we must not allow their experiences to overawe us. It is wrong to compare ourselves with others.

2 Cor 10:12-13 says: “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13: We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us — a sphere which especially includes you.”

Paul criticised the false teachers who were trying to prove their goodness by comparing themselves with others rather than with God’s standards. When we compare ourselves with others, we may feel pride because we think we are better. But when we measure ourselves against God’s standards, it becomes obvious that we have no basis for pride. Do not worry about other people’s accomplishments. Instead, continually ask: How does my life measure up to what God wants? How does my life compare to Jesus Christ?
• Email:mercyolumide2004@yahoo.co.uk. www.thebiblicalwomanhood.com. Mobile: +234 803 344 6614; +234 808 123 7987.