PRAYING WITH UNDERSTANDING

PRAYING WITH UNDERSTANDING

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 14:15
"What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also."

Supporting Texts: Psalm 47:7, Colossians 4:2, Ephesians 6:18, 1 John 5:14-15, Proverbs 3:5-6

INTRODUCTION:
In the Christian life, prayer is one of the most powerful ways to communicate with God and seek His guidance. However, it is not just about uttering words—it is about praying with understanding. When we pray with understanding, we align our prayers with God’s will and purpose, ensuring that our prayers are not only heartfelt but also effective. This message will explore what it means to pray with understanding, why it is important, and how we can incorporate it into our daily prayer lives.

1. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO PRAY WITH UNDERSTANDING?

Praying with understanding involves being mindful of the content, purpose, and faith behind our prayers.

a) Being Conscious of God’s Will (Matthew 6:10)
Praying with understanding means recognizing and submitting to God’s will. We pray not for selfish desires but for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done.

b) Knowing the Scriptures (Psalm 119:105)
Understanding God’s Word helps us pray with insight. Prayers grounded in Scripture are prayers that are aligned with God’s revealed will.

c) Praying with Knowledge of Our Needs (Philippians 4:6)
Praying with understanding means acknowledging our specific needs and bringing them before God in faith, knowing that He cares for us.

d) Speaking with Faith and Belief (Mark 11:24)
Prayers with understanding are rooted in faith. When we pray, we must believe that God hears us and that He will answer according to His will.

e) Biblical Example: Daniel’s Prayer for Understanding (Daniel 9:4-19)
Daniel prayed with understanding, acknowledging God’s faithfulness and asking for insight into God’s plan for Israel. He prayed earnestly, with clarity about his request and the times in which he lived.

2. WHY IS PRAYING WITH UNDERSTANDING IMPORTANT?

Praying with understanding ensures that our prayers are purposeful, aligned with God’s heart, and result in lasting transformation.

a) To Align with God’s Purpose (Romans 8:28)
Praying with understanding helps us align our desires with God’s purpose for our lives, enabling His plans to be accomplished.

b) To Receive Wisdom and Guidance (James 1:5)
Understanding God’s Word and His ways allows us to pray for wisdom and guidance, which are necessary for making godly decisions.

c) To Avoid Empty Words (Matthew 6:7)
When we pray with understanding, we avoid meaningless repetition. Our prayers become focused and intentional.

d) To Experience Effective Prayer (James 5:16)
Prayers with understanding are more effective, as they are in alignment with God’s will and are prayed in faith, leading to results.

e) Biblical Example: The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)
Jesus taught His disciples to pray with understanding. The Lord’s Prayer encapsulates essential elements—adoration, submission to God’s will, requests for provision, forgiveness, and deliverance from evil.

3. HOW TO PRAY WITH UNDERSTANDING

Praying with understanding involves intentional steps to ensure that our prayers are thoughtful, biblically informed, and in accordance with God’s heart.

a) Study the Word of God Regularly (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
By meditating on the Scriptures, we gain understanding of God’s will and can pray more effectively.

b) Acknowledge God’s Sovereignty (Isaiah 55:8-9)
Recognizing God’s ways are higher than ours will shape our prayers, ensuring we are not merely praying out of selfish desires but for His glory and purpose.

c) Ask for the Holy Spirit’s Guidance (John 14:26)
The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness and teaches us how to pray according to God’s will, especially when we don’t know how to pray.

d) Be Specific in Your Requests (1 John 5:14-15)
Praying with understanding means presenting specific requests, being clear about our needs and desires, while trusting God to answer according to His will.

e) Biblical Example: Hannah’s Prayer for a Son (1 Samuel 1:9-11)
Hannah prayed with understanding, expressing her desire for a son and making a vow to dedicate him to God’s service. Her prayer was specific, earnest, and aligned with God’s will.

4. THE BENEFITS OF PRAYING WITH UNDERSTANDING

Praying with understanding brings great benefits, not only for us but also for those we intercede for.

a) Strengthened Faith (Romans 10:17)
When we pray with understanding, we are reminded of God’s promises and His faithfulness, which strengthens our faith.

b) Deeper Intimacy with God (Jeremiah 29:13)
Praying with understanding leads to a deeper relationship with God, as we engage with Him thoughtfully and intentionally.

c) Clearer Direction and Purpose (Proverbs 3:5-6)
As we pray with understanding, God directs our paths and helps us to walk in His will and purpose for our lives.

d) Greater Effectiveness in Ministry (Colossians 4:2)
Prayers with understanding lead to greater spiritual effectiveness, whether in personal life or ministry, as they are in harmony with God’s will.

e) Biblical Example: The Prayer of Solomon for Wisdom (1 Kings 3:5-14)
Solomon prayed for wisdom with understanding, and God granted him unparalleled wisdom and wealth because he sought God’s will rather than his own desires.

5. COMMON OBSTACLES TO PRAYING WITH UNDERSTANDING

While we are called to pray with understanding, there are challenges that may hinder our prayers.

a) Lack of Knowledge of Scripture (Hosea 4:6)
A lack of understanding of God’s Word can prevent us from praying with insight and clarity. Regular study of the Bible equips us to pray according to God’s will.

b) Doubt and Unbelief (James 1:6-8)
Doubt can prevent us from praying with confidence and understanding. We must pray with faith, believing that God hears and will answer our prayers.

c) Distractions and Lack of Focus (Luke 21:36)
The busyness of life can distract us from praying with understanding. We must create quiet times of focused prayer to hear from God and communicate effectively with Him.

d) Selfish Motives (James 4:3)
Prayers motivated by selfish desires often lack understanding. We must examine our hearts and ensure that our prayers align with God’s will.

e) Biblical Example: The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14)
The Pharisee’s prayer was self-centered, while the tax collector’s prayer was humble and sincere. The latter prayed with understanding, acknowledging his need for God’s mercy.

CONCLUSION:
Praying with understanding is essential for effective communication with God. It enables us to align our hearts and minds with His will, ensuring that our prayers are purposeful and transformative. By studying Scripture, seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and praying with clarity and faith, we can overcome obstacles and experience the power of prayer in our lives. Let us commit to praying with understanding, trusting that as we do, our relationship with God will deepen, and our prayers will bear fruit.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me understanding of Your Word that I may pray according to Your will.

2. I pray for clarity and focus as I bring my requests before You, trusting in Your wisdom.

3. Father, help me to pray in alignment with Your kingdom purposes, not my own desires.

4. I ask for the Holy Spirit to guide me in prayer, especially when I don’t know how to pray.

5. Lord, strengthen my faith as I pray, that I may believe You will answer according to Your will.

6. Father, remove all doubt and unbelief from my heart, and help me to pray with confidence.

7. I pray for the wisdom to pray specific, intentional prayers that bring about transformation.

8. Help me to guard against distractions and focus on You when I pray.

9. Lord, purify my heart and motives, that I may pray with pure intentions and understanding.

10. May my prayers be powerful and effective, bringing glory to Your name.