> It’s estimated there are 3,000 – 7,000 promises in the Bible—maybe more. But do we believe, with no reservation, to claim them in prayer?

It’s like cashing a check for a generous sum of money. Do we believe the check is real with available funds? Do we fidget, and discuss with the teller what we’ll do with the money? Or do we sign it, and leave with the money?

Claiming God’s promises in prayer are a ‘sure thing check’ from the closest friend we’ll have. But we squirm, flounder and wonder if God will come through. Instead of believing our promise check is guaranteed, we think by embellishing with flowery words, and theological jargon we’ll seal the deal with God.

But for successful prayer, Jesus outlines three steps. First, He says what not to do: “ . . . you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues, and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men” (Matthew 6: 5 NKJV). Second, He tells us what not to say: “...when you pray do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do” (Matthew 6:7). Thirdly, He tells us what to do: “...go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place...”(Matthew 6:6). This is beautiful. He desires our fellowship!

Now Jesus gives us the prayer of Promise: The Lord’s Prayer. “In this manner, therefore pray” (Matthew 6:9). “Our Father in Heaven, Hollowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:9,10).

Next are the basics of life: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In Matthew 6:11-13 we’re to seek our daily bread; And to ask Him to forgive us our debts that we may forgive others. And asking, do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one (Matthew 6:13) means guidance from our sin nature, and the one who put it there.

To close, recognize, “For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen” (Matthew 6:13).

In The Tale of the Tardy Oxcart, Charles Swindoll gives us a unique word picture. A room may await us in Heaven filled with boxes tied with ribbon. On a tag is our name that says, ‘couldn’t deliver because the request was never made from Earth.’ May this never happen. The Lord wouldn’t tell us what to ask for if He wasn’t going to cash in our request; God has the biggest bank account we can imagine.

He wants us to live Psalm 55:17, “Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, And He shall hear my voice.” [A promise.] Begin today with the Lord’s Prayer ~ it’s guaranteed.