Pray Big

A philosopher of outstanding ability but little money asked Alexander the Great for financial help. Alexander told him to draw whatever he needed from the imperial treasury. However, when the man requested an amount equal to $50,000, he was refused. The treasurer needed to verify that such a large sum was indeed authorized. When he asked Alexander, the ruler replied, "Pay the money at once. The philosopher has done me a singular honor. By the largeness of his request, he shows that he has understood both my wealth and generosity." And so it is when Christians make large requests in prayer to God.

When the disciples asked about prayer, Jesus responded by giving them an outline (or model) to follow when praying. He said, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation’” (Luke 11:2-4). Notice that they were told to address the Father, offer praises to his name, and make petitions for the kingdom, physical needs, forgiveness of sins, and deliverance from temptation. Christians are instructed to pray for other things as well. For instance, we should pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2), for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44), for the sick (James 5:13-15), for boldness in preaching (Acts 4:29), and for open doors (Colossians 4:3).

There is no designated place or posture required for praying. Jesus prayed in the mountains (Mark 6:46), in the wilderness (Luke 5:16), in the garden (Matthew 26:39), and even on the cross (Luke 23:34, 46). Biblical characters prayed standing (Nehemiah 9:5), kneeling (Ezra 9:5), sitting (1 Chronicles 17:16-27), and bowing (Exodus 34:8).

Prayer was always a part of the big moments in the Lord’s life. Jesus prayed at his baptism, before choosing his apostles, at the transfiguration, in the garden of Gethsemane, and on the cross. The same should be true of his disciples. We should pray always, especially before making important decisions or doing important things.

Our prayers must be offered according to God’s will. John declared, “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us” (1 John 5:14). James made a similar point in his epistle when he wrote, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions” (James 4:3). Notice that to receive in prayer, we must make sure it is in accordance with divine revelation. This, I believe, is what it means to pray in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18; Jude 20).

Prayer is a special privilege for Christians. It gives us an open line of communication with God and ought to be taken advantage of regularly. Moreover, we should not hesitate to make large requests which show we understand both his wealth and generosity. So, pray often and pray big!