Five People Who Can’t Pray
Independent People – Part 1

Scripture Reading: John 15:1-11

Key Verse: John 15:7

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.

As we finish this month’s theme on prayer, I want to focus on those who can’t pray. When I say, “can’t pray,” I mean they can’t pray effectively. Anyone and everyone can say prayers, words they direct at God. The Bible tells us that many people will cry, “Lord, Lord” and the sad response from God will be: “I never knew you.” We want to talk to God in ways that truly connect with Him!

Today and tomorrow we will look at the first group of people that don’t connect with God when they pray. Jesus described this group in our Key Verse for today! We must “remain in Him” in order to “ask of Him.” When we develop independence from Him, we cut ourselves off from His resources. Verse six of the suggested reading for today says: “If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” Those are graphic words—serious teaching—concerning the importance of staying dependent on our Father in heaven!

What does “independence” look like? In my opinion, it is when a Christ follower makes decisions, such as a significant purchase, without seeking God’s opinion. Praying for God’s help after the purchase, for God to help pay for it, is a spirit of independence. Let’s live in an attitude of remaining in Him!

Father, help me not to rush ahead in my life’s decisions without checking in with you! Forgive my actions of independence. In Jesus’ Name, amen.