The Reward of Prayer

Did you know that the Kingdom of God celebrates reward? Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Motivation to receive a reward is encouraged in the Kingdom of God.

God rewards prayer. Jesus, in Matthew’s Gospel (6:6) said, “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Applying this verse personally to my life, I propose that if I do not pray in secret, I will fail to receive a reward. There are many opinions to what the reward of prayer is, but seeing there is a reward to receive I would be foolish not to act obediently and pray. I honestly believe God wants to lavish Kingdom rewards upon His children.

In Luke’s Gospel, the reward of prayer is the Holy Spirit Himself. Verse 11:13 reads “…how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.” Luke’s Gospel pays special attention to the relationship between prayer and the activity of the Holy Spirit. Jesus was baptized and, while praying, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him (Luke 3:21-22). Jesus was then led into the wilderness “full of the Holy Spirit,” (Luke 4:1) and following the wilderness, Jesus went into Galilee, “in the power of the Holy Spirit” (Luke 4:14). This movement from fullness to power is one we must not ignore. If God rewards prayer with the very Spirit who rose Christ from the grave (Romans 8:11), then we would be foolish to neglect such a reward by neglecting time alone in secret prayer. Again, applying Luke’s Gospel, I am persuaded that God wants to help us move from fullness towards power and that our ministry as Youth for Christ would exhibit the very life, purity, and power of Christ Jesus actualized by the Holy Spirit.

Recently, a friend was moved with compassion and prayed for a co-worker. Her co-worker wore a brace to help manage wrist pain (six months and counting). After prayer, her co-worker in great surprise, took off the brace completely pain free! My friend openly shared the Gospel and is continuing to invite her co-worker into relationship with Jesus! My friend’s courage to pray and share the Gospel with her co-worker was fostered over three previous days in prayer and fasting. Part of my friend’s reward will be this co-worker yielding themselves to King Jesus. My friend demonstrated what is ours in Christ when we pray. She discovered confidence and trust before her Father in Heaven (fullness) and the Spirit’s empowerment in mission (power).

God is waiting and intends to reward you when you pray. Here is a simple resource to help aid your time alone with God.