Bread of Life Voice

The acronym ‘PUSH’ which, in prayer circles, means ‘Pray Until Something Happens,’ is a popular adage credited to a famous Nigerian Priest, Reverend Fr. Ejike Mbaka. The saying is used to encourage God’s people to persevere in prayer as God never changes, and will always answer every petition raised to Him. This, also gives credence to the famous words of Angel Gabriel in the scripture, ‘for with God nothing shall be impossible’ (Luke 1:37).

St Luke transmitted to us three parables dealing on prayer. They are the teachings of Jesus Christ, who most often, spoke to peoples in parables, but does not fail to explain those Parables in full to His disciples.

1). ‘Importunate Friend’ (Luke 11:5-13):

This parable calls us to urgent prayer. When a sudden need arises, or storm comes, or sign of danger surfaces without notice; you just need an urgent help! All preparations and protocols are boycotted; praise, thanksgiving, worship, or plea for forgiveness, may be hard to remember. It is only a cry for help that matters at that moment. ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; a friend of mine on a journey has come, and I have no food to offer him,’ says the importunate friend. In a more spiritual sense, Jesus Christ is that ‘Big Friend;’ and He requires us to make Him our friend. It is so because it is mostly a friend that can give you quick assistance when you needed; not an enemy! Is Jesus then, your foremost friend?

2). ‘Importunate Widow’ (Luke 18:1-8):

This parable stresses one of the qualities expected of every prayer: we should pray always without ceasing, and with a firm faith that our petition will be answered. The parable ended with some striking words, ‘And will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night? Will He keep putting them off? I tell you, He will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?.’ Dear friends, please persist in prayer, and do not entertain doubt about God not answering. He will answer since He is your friend.

3). ‘The Pharisee and the Tax collector’ (Luke 18:9-14):

This parable deals with the humility of the heart that prays. ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble’ (James 4:6). Therefore, when you come to the altar of prayer, do not boast of your accomplishments. No! You did not achieve them by your power. It is God that gave you the grace to succeed. ‘If my people who are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray…,’ is His words in 2 Chronicles 7:14.

What then was the prayer of the Tax collector? It is a sincere plea for mercy, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ This was a sharp contrast to the prayer of the Pharisee who was in the same temple with him, ‘God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.’ Friends, we need to examine our lives and prayers.

One way of achieving success in prayer is to have a growing compassion for others and a deep concern for well being of other people. Concluding the parable, Jesus said, ‘this man (the Tax collector) went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.’

We hope this message is helpful to you especially as it relates to your prayer life. Please use the comment section below to share your thoughts with us. Happy Workers Day.