The Importance of Prayer || A Conversation with Faiyabrand
Faiyabrand is a British multi-award winning artist, songwriter, music producer and entrepreneur. In the context of music, he is skilfully multifaceted in the genres of gospel rap/hip-hop and afrobeat, but also infuses trap-soul, grime and classical elements. He has a creative business - Excellent Visualz - which specialises in photography and graphic design and also runs an online fellowship called On FAIYA For God.
How has Prayer changed your relationship with God? I view prayer as a means to communicate with God but also as a means for me to align my thoughts with His. Prayer has helped me understand God’s mind, will and thoughts concerning situations and people, therefore enabling me to respond with wisdom and understanding.
What advice would you give to someone that is struggling with their quiet time? First and foremost, see God as your Heavenly Father. He isn’t out to punish you, He simply wants to hear from His beloved child. He is a good and loving Father whose arms are forever open to embrace all who come to Him. Hebrews 4:16 tells us to come boldly to His throne of grace because we have confidence that He will hear us (1 John 5:13-14). Prayer isn’t about how well you can construct your sentences or about how long you can pray for; it’s a personal conversation between you and your Father. God delights in hearing your voice - whether it’s a quick “good morning Jesus” or a “thank you Holy Spirit for reminding me”, He wants to hear from you.
Why is prayer important to you? Prayer is important to be because it helps me grow in awareness of my union with God. It’s exciting and humbling to know that the God of all creation is my friend! Knowing that the One who has all power and authority hears and answers me is comforting.
How do you remain encouraged in times where prayer is unanswered? I understand that God answers prayer that is in line with His will (1 John 5:13-14). I know His will is found in His word and so when I pray, knowing He has answered me (Mark 11:24) I simply wait for the manifestation of the answer, regardless of how long it takes. We, at times, put time limits on God to answer us as though He is a genie but He is perfect in all of His ways. I believe God has our best interest at heart and so if a specific prayer isn’t answered, my faith in Him or my view of Him doesn’t change. I trust God is ultimately working things out for my good. Some situations teach us to persevere in the place of prayer, not out of a lack of faith that God hasn’t heard us, but with the confidence that He will (like how the church prayed for Peter in Acts 4).
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