This is the third article in our series on prayer. The previous article reviewed prayer and supplication. Now, we will discuss how you may pray with boldness and assurance for your benefit and God’s pleasure.

We must pray to God with boldness; we must petition our Father with intimacy. We must seek Him in all situations. There are three ways we can pray with such a bold confidence.

1. ASK IN FAITH

We should pray without doubting. James tells us how we should ask God, when the trials of life approach and at times seem to overwhelm us. In James 1:2, he writes, “consider it all joy my brothers when you encounter various trials knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” Again this is the state of the Christian: they are anxious for nothing, but in everything looking to God. But, if we continue in James we find- if we are in trouble, if we are anxious- we must only ask! James 1:5 continues reading, “but if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” We are asking God for the power, the ability to continue to live a life of strength in His name.

2. ASK FOR WISDOM

When we ask God for wisdom, for strength, for the ability to persevere in the trials, then we must expect God to respond with good. We may not understand the circumstances, but we may rest in the fact that God is good and everything he does is good. Romans chapter [8:28] says, and “we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love him, to those who are called according to his purpose.” God works all things for good according to those that believe and trust in His son Jesus Christ. We must understand that the troubles and trials of life are only designed to transform us evermore into the image of Christ. So, difficulties may abound and we may evermore reflect the nature, person, and work of our Savior.

3. WAIT UPON GOD

We must wait upon God. Prayer is active. Prayer is action. Yet, action does not always entail movement. It connotes a readiness, a readiness to walk like Abraham out of Haran or a readiness to sit like the apostles in Jerusalem waiting for the Holy Spirit. Prayer is actively waiting on God for direction from His word, not our feelings, intuitions, or ideas. James 1:12-13 reads, “blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the Crown of Life which the Lord has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, I am being tempted by God; for God cannot be tempted by evil and He himself does not tempt anyone, but each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.” When we Face the trials of life we must persevere. Perseverance is patience under Fire. Anyone, even the most impatient person,  can exhibit patience, when patience is not required. Let us show our strength in God under pressure, and then he may find us approved workmen. And, perseverance may serve its purpose for God's glory.

Our next article, will expound the natural joy and thanksgiving resulting from a life of prayer and intimate connection with God. Bold praying produces bold living. If you don’t know God, you don’t pray. He uses prayer as a means to know Him and grow us in accordance with His will by the power of His word and Spirit.