We are totally dependant on God for life itself and prayer is how we show God that we need Him for absolutely everything. As believers, our first instinct in dealing with all things in our lives should be to pray. Sometimes we are not quite sure exactly how to pray. Prayer is simply us talking to God in each of our own way about things that concern us ~ big and small. There is no need to try to impress anyone with fancy prayers and long and drawn out words- talk as you were talking to a friend because you are talking to a Father and a friend: God! I find that to be so awesome!
Every believer has the ability to pray and to pray effectively. God loves, recognizes, and appreciates each of us with our own unique voice and characteristics that we possess. Just as a parent loves and adores his or her child, God feels the same for all of us. Prayer is powerful! When we pray, things change and we should expect change to happen! Prayer is meant for us to nourish and further develop our personal relationship with the Lord. It’s a time for each of us to get to know God better and what his agenda is. We must have faith and we must have confidence in God that He hears us when we pray and that He can do all things. The Bible reminds us that:
Jesus looked at them carefully and said, “It’s impossible for human beings. But all things are possible for God.” (Matthew 19:26 CEB)
God is truly concerned about our lives. It is important to take thought that prayer is two-fold: prayer is open communication with God so that He can communicate His desires (His Will) to us and it is also a time for us to communicate our desires to Him. We have to pray with the mindset that ultimately God’s will triumphs over our own agenda – knowing that His will is what is best for us. When we spend enough valuable time talking to God in prayer, we will notice that His desires will become our own.
When he went a short distance farther and fell on his face and prayed, “My Father, if it’s possible, take this cup of suffering away from me. However—not what I want but what you want.” (Matthew 26:39 CEB)
Many times, prayer will change things internally instead of always changing things externally as we may expect. Prayer alters the way we view things and allows us to see from God’s perspective.
Additional Verses for Further Study:
“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”(Matthew 18:3 ESV)
“your Father knows what you need before you ask.” (Matthew 6:8)
Prayer Starter:
Lord, You are great. I look forward to spending time with You in prayer each day. Thank you for being concerned with the issues of my life. You have great plans for me and You know what’s best for me. I want Your will to be done. Thank you for the many blessings You give.
