Matthew 7:21 “’Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.’”

Boy, I tell you what! There are many today that this holds true for. I hear our nation scream out to God when a tragedy strikes, but then protest if a football coach prays with his players before a game. They cry out “Lord, Lord” and then slam the door in His face.

But the beauty of the Lord is He understands them. I may not, but He does. He knows their motive for prayer. He waits to hear that prayer of repentance, and then He can move in and do wonderful things for them. Now does that mean He won’t intercede for an unbeliever? He may, but it will be for one purpose – to draw that unbeliever to Him – to disclose Himself for the purpose of deliverance.

When our children are just learning to walk and talk we teach them to pray. It is so sweet to watch them fold their hands and pray for everyone under the sun, even the pets. But our teaching about prayer should always be pointing them to the most important prayer – the prayer of confession and repentance which leads to salvation. It is so important that our children learn to pray. God will draw them to Himself. When your child hears Him speaking to them they will tell you. But in the meantime keep teaching them about prayer.

Why are you crying out to God? What is your motive today? Will you bow first in confession to Him and ask for forgiveness and cleansing of your sins? Oh how God wants to work in your live. Bow, surrender, confess and then call Him Abba Father.