My mind is still on prayer, and the absolute joy I have that God gave us this wonderful gift. I remember the time in my life when I didn’t pray, or really give much credence to God at all. I just went about doing life without ever thinking about how life began in the first place, or that the Creator would want or expect me to talk with Him. Life has changed so much in the past 8 years – I have changed so much. I have dedicated myself to God, and I have come to a place in my love for Him that a day without prayer is rare. I no longer just do life – I pray life.
A few weeks ago I was drawn to readings on prayer and praying through some things for a friend. I was very surprised when I opened our Sunday school lesson at church that week and read this title, “Connected Through Prayer – Prayer is our response to God’s constant invitation to interact with Him.” God’s constant invitation to interact with Him…. Constant. Interact. with HIM! What powerful words, and what a powerful meaning behind them. God wants us to interact with Him. Directly with Him. Praise Him – what a blessing and a gift that is!!
As I read through that lesson and have since been studying scriptures on prayer, I am continually drawn to a few truths about prayer. A list, if you like, of the how’s and why’s of prayer. Be persistent, rejoice – you can give your worries to God, pray for everyone, prayer is part of the armor of God, faithful prayer is powerful and effective, God wants us to share our mistakes, failures, fears and joys with Him.
Take your cares and worries to the Father, whatever they may be. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t pray about something that is heavy on your heart. You can pray for anything, everything, and everyone! Pray for yourself, your spouse, your children, your sick friend, your parents and that stranger you passed who just seemed so sad. 1 Timothy 2:1 tells us to “pray for all people.” Never be afraid to share your deepest secrets with God – he knows them anyway – and when you voice them to Him, He begins to work on them for you.
I find it so amazing that the God of creation, the I AM, the King, wants me to come and talk with Him. Me – a woman who struggles with sins, worries and daily failures. What an absolute blessing to be able to share everything with my Creator! He is my Comforter, my Savior and my King. And He is my Friend – in all circumstances.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-22)
From Suffering to Praise 