Praying Always: Approaching the Most High with Sincerity

Praying Always: Approaching the Most High with Sincerity

In our walk with the Most High, prayer is essential. It’s more than just an act of communication; it’s a relationship-building practice that allows us to speak to YAHUAH, aligning ourselves with His will. However, there is a right way to pray and approach our Father in heaven. If we want our prayers to be answered, we must come to Him sincerely, with humility and obedience. Let’s explore the nature of prayer, how we are to pray, and what we must be mindful of to ensure that our prayers are heard and honored by YAHUAH.

The Importance of Praying Correctly

It’s clear from Scripture that not all prayers are heard or answered favorably. The Most High expects His servants to approach Him with a heart that is aligned with His Word and a life that reflects obedience to His commandments. As noted in **1 Peter 3:12**, His ears are open to the righteous, but His face is against those who do evil. If you’re not living in accordance with His Word, your prayers can become an abomination in His sight (**Proverbs 28:9**). This is why it’s essential to first ensure that we are living righteously and in obedience to His commandments. Only then can we be confident that our prayers will be heard. 1 John 3:18-24 affirms that God answers whatever we ask of Him because we keep His commandments and do what pleases Him. Prayer is not just about asking for what we want; it’s about living in such a way that we are worthy to stand before the Most High and ask anything at all. As His servants, we must strive to live in truth and love, so that when we approach Him, we come with clean hands and pure hearts.

How We Are to Pray

Prayer is a sacred act, and the Most High has outlined in His Word how we should go about it. A significant detail to remember is the posture of prayer—both physically and spiritually. **1 Corinthians 11:3-10** reminds us that men should pray with their heads uncovered, while women should have their heads covered as a sign of submission and honor to the authority of YAHUAH. Additionally, while prayer can be done anywhere, Scripture points out the significance of facing east toward Jerusalem, the holy city, as a reminder of YAHUAH’s covenant with His people (**1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30**). This is an acknowledgment of His eternal presence and power, aligning our supplications with His promises. It’s also important to remember that prayer should be sincere, free from vain repetition. **Matthew 6:5-13** teaches us to avoid public displays of piety and to focus instead on private, earnest communication with our Father. He already knows what we need before we ask, but our prayers should still reflect our dependence on Him. The Lord’s Prayer is a perfect model, covering all aspects of our spiritual needs—blessing, protection, provision, and deliverance.

What Happens When You Pray Correctly

When you approach YAHUAH in prayer with a sincere heart and a life aligned with His commandments, the power of prayer is transformative. Throughout the Scriptures, we see examples of how prayer can change lives, situations, and even the course of nations. **James 5:13-18** reminds us of Elijah, who prayed that it would not rain, and it didn’t for three years. This is the power of prayer in the hands of the righteous. Not only does prayer change circumstances, but it also transforms the person praying. **1 Timothy 2:8** tells us to pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands without wrath or doubting. As we continue in prayer, we grow in faith and understanding. Through prayer, we draw closer to YAHUAH, experiencing His presence and guidance in our lives. Moreover, when we pray together as a people, the power of our prayers is magnified. **1 Kings 8:46-52** illustrates the strength in communal prayer, where all of Israel came together in repentance and supplication. The Most High heard their cries and answered their prayers. This serves as a reminder that when we, as a community, come before YAHUAH in unity and obedience, there is nothing He will withhold from us.

Are You in a Position to Be Heard?

Before you approach the Most High in prayer, it’s important to assess your spiritual condition. Are you keeping His commandments? Are you living a life of righteousness, or is there sin separating you from YAHUAH? **Isaiah 59:1-2** tells us that our iniquities can create a barrier between us and God, preventing our prayers from being heard. As servants of the Most High, we must constantly examine ourselves and turn away from sin. **James 1:5-8** reminds us that a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways, and his prayers will not be answered. We must be firm in our faith, sincere in our repentance, and obedient to His Word if we expect to receive anything from Him.

The Weapon of Prayer

Prayer is not only a tool for communication with YAHUAH, but it is also a weapon in spiritual warfare. **Ephesians 6:11-18** speaks of putting on the full armor of God, and prayer is part of that armor. It equips us to stand against the spiritual wickedness in high places and gives us the strength to endure the trials and attacks of the enemy. Through prayer, we are able to resist the devil, protect ourselves with YAHUAH’s Word, and remain steadfast in our faith.

The Power of Solitary Prayer: Insights from Jesus

Prayer is a vital practice for connecting with God, and Jesus’ example shows us the importance of solitude in this spiritual discipline.

Jesus’ Solitary Prayer: Key Examples

1. Luke 5:16: Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray, emphasizing the need for uninterrupted time with God.

2. Luke 6:12-13: Jesus spent an entire night in prayer on a mountainside before choosing His apostles, highlighting the importance of solitude for significant decisions. 3. Matthew 26:36-46 and Mark 14:32-42: In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed alone during His distress before the crucifixion, demonstrating how solitude helps in facing personal trials and seeking divine strength.

The Importance of Solitude

● Focus and Intimacy: Solitude removes distractions, allowing for a deeper, more focused conversation with God.

● Guidance and Strength: Private prayer enables clarity and spiritual fortitude, crucial for major decisions and personal challenges.

● Humility: Private prayer fosters sincerity and humility, as it centers our hearts on God rather than seeking human approval.

The Pitfall of Public Prayer

Jesus warned against praying publicly to be seen by others (Matthew 6:5-6). Such actions shift the focus from God to human admiration, resulting in receiving only human recognition rather than divine reward.

Story from Leesve: "The Parable of the Silent Exit"

There was a woman who had recently given her life fully to YAH. The world had once been her playground, but now she walked a different path—one of faith and obedience. Her heart, which had once been divided between her desires and the truth, was now set on serving YAH. Yet, despite her transformation, she was still surrounded by those who hadn’t made the same choice.

One day, in the heat of summer, her closest friend—a woman she had shared years of laughter and memories with—suggested they take a trip. It had been a long time since they’d traveled together, and after everything the woman had been through, she thought it might be a good idea. Her friend, along with another woman who was more of an acquaintance than a true friend, started planning the trip. The excitement was mutual at first, but soon, the woman felt a shift.

The plans, while laid out with enthusiasm, seemed to drift further and further from her values. The restaurants, the activities, even the nightlife they chose—none of it resonated with who she was now. Her best friend, the one who was supposed to know her best, didn’t seem to notice. She threw out suggestions of her own, but they barely landed, falling like stones into water with no ripple. "Am I tripping?" she thought. "Aren’t I part of this trip too?"

Still, she said nothing.

The woman had learned long ago not to speak before she was sure of her feelings. She knew that not everything needed to be said. Besides, wasn’t this her best friend? Shouldn’t she just know? But as the trip drew closer, her doubts grew louder. She was pregnant—carrying her fourth child—and the plans seemed more and more like they were meant for someone else’s life, not hers.

Her spirit felt heavy, and she couldn’t shake the unease. "What fellowship has light with darkness?" she thought again, as YAH’s Word echoed in her mind. She knew she wasn’t meant to be walking in those places anymore.

Then, just as the day of departure neared, a storm rolled into her life. One of her sons fell ill, and her plans came crashing down. It was clear now—YAH was showing her a different path. She needed to be at home, not out in the world chasing after a trip that wasn’t for her. She reached out to her best friend and the other woman, explaining what had happened and why she couldn’t go. They said they understood, offering kind words, but there was something missing—something that couldn’t be put into words.

The woman thought that would be the end of it, but her spirit still stirred with unease. She decided to take her family to church that weekend, feeling a need for YAH’s peace after everything that had happened. But while she worshipped, a strange revelation came over her. As she checked social media, she noticed that her friends had hidden their stories from her. Even the acquaintance had gone so far as to block her on Twitter, but not her husband. It was then she realized—her absence on the trip was just the beginning of a much larger distance.

Her so-called best friend, the one who knew her heart, had quietly cut her off. Not a word was said, but the silence between them spoke louder than anything.

Still, the woman stayed silent. She had learned long ago that not everyone needed to be confronted. If someone didn’t want to be in her life, she wasn’t going to chase after them. She had cut ties with family for less, so she wasn’t about to beg for a friendship that couldn’t even survive an honest conversation.

Weeks passed, and her best friend didn’t call. No check-ins, no apologies. Just silence. So, the woman did what she had to do—she blocked them both. She was done. Done with pretending, done with people who didn’t value her. It hurt, especially when it came to her best friend, but she knew she couldn’t keep people in her life who couldn’t even be real with her.

Months later, her best friend finally sent her a message. But instead of reaching out with love or understanding, she came with accusations. “You’re a coward for blocking me,” she wrote, throwing words like stones.

The woman couldn’t help but shake her head at the irony. "I tried to talk, but you didn’t want to listen. Now you’re calling me a coward? When I was the one waiting, watching, hoping for an honest conversation?" But by then, she had already found peace in the silence. She didn’t need to argue or defend herself.

YAH had already shown her the truth: these women were never really her friends. They had been companions of convenience, not sisters of the spirit. Their friendship was based on appearances, on being comfortable. But when it came time for truth—for something real—they disappeared.

In the silence, the woman had found her answer. She didn’t regret holding back her words, nor did she regret walking away. The quiet had revealed everything she needed to know. Some friendships are only for a season, and this season had ended.

And so, she moved on, stronger in her faith, knowing that YAH had pruned what needed to be cut away. The road ahead was clearer now, with fewer distractions and less weight to carry.

She had learned that sometimes, the greatest strength is found in silence.

Conclusion

Praying always is more than just a habit or ritual; it is a lifestyle of submission, obedience, and trust in YAHUAH. We must come before Him with clean hands, pure hearts, and a life that reflects His commandments. Praying in secret aligns with Jesus’ teaching that God rewards those who seek Him genuinely and privately. Authentic prayer fosters a deeper connection with God and aligns our faith with His purposes. When we do, He hears us, answers us, and moves mightily on our behalf. Let us pray sincerely, in the fear of YAHUAH, trusting that He will answer us according to His will, and may we always live in a way that honors Him. Through prayer, we build our relationship with YAHUAH and experience His power and provision in our lives. Let us remember the words of **1 Thessalonians 5:17**, to "pray without ceasing," for it is through constant communication with our Father that we grow, receive, and are transformed. Embrace the practice of solitary prayer as Jesus did, focusing on your personal relationship with God rather than seeking public approval. This approach aligns with Jesus’ teachings and helps cultivate a sincere, intimate connection with the Father.