Prayer has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. Perhaps, it’s something new to you, or maybe it’s just never become a habit or part of your routine. Let me encourage you by the old familiar saying, “Prayer changes things!”
Here is a partial definition:
Prayer: a spiritual communion with God…*as in supplication, thanksgiving, adoration, or confession.
*Words omitted for emphasis on God alone. [See Dictionary.com for full definition.]
Lately, it seems that I have been very aware of answered prayers…whether a friend has prayed for something specific, or it has been specific prayers of my own, the results haven’t gone unnoticed! I told Steve that I have been amazed, but maybe I shouldn’t be. He said that he thinks it’s more of an awe…an awe that the God of the universe would basically take notice and time for us; listen to us; and grant our requests.
I do realize that everything we ask for is not always given as we wish. There is where the real faith comes in. In those instances, it is our choice to truly trust that God knows what’s best, and that His ways are higher than our ways…
“For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:9 NLT
I do believe that it is His good pleasure to give those who follow Him our heart’s desire in many instances—and sometimes, we haven’t even asked. He came to give us life more abundantly, and I think that if we are not careful, we can take for granted the little things in life that are simply worth celebrating…gifts that perhaps have been freely given without even a whisper of a prayer…but that is just like my God!
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.“
Psalms 37:4 NLT
“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
John 10:10 KJV
To be specific in prayer does take time and effort. Of course, you can pray anywhere and anytime. I think that is the beauty of it. Jesus came and sacrificed his life with a grueling death making a way for us to come boldly to our God with nothing and no one between.
“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”
Hebrews 4:16 NLT
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” [emphasis mine]
Philippians 4:6 NLT
I love that I can bring “EVERYTHING” to Him!! There is nothing too great, and nothing too small! Tell Him exactly what you need. I have cried out to God in times of distress and need. Sometimes, prayer is work, but work is so rewarding…and so is prayer.
There is nothing like slipping off to yourself, whether in the bathroom at work, in your recliner, on your deck, or in your car, and presenting those requests. Oh! And the joy in thanking Him for “all he has done”! Thanking and praising God for what He has done brings an awareness of just how blessed we are. I truly believe that the more we thank Him, the more we want to thank Him, and the more grateful and content we become.
The God of the all creation wants to chat with us. He wants to listen. He wants to speak. You can talk with Him as if He were right there in the room beside you…because He is. You don’t even have to speak aloud. You can communicate, talk to Him even when your lips are silent. He still hears.
“O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.”
Psalms 139:1-4 NLT
Although He knows, He still wants that communication with us. That is why Jesus came…to reconcile us to God through a prayer…a prayer of confession of our sins, and acceptance of Jesus as Savior.
“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.”
1 John 1:9 NLT
[That’s a life-changer right there!]
I love my prayer time. I love even more that I have that privilege! I like to settle in, in the morning, with a cup of coffee, the Word of God (the Holy Bible), and a chat with God…a chat with my Savior, Jesus Christ, about what I am reading, my day, events of the times, my cares and concerns, strength for the journey, guidance, and the list goes on. The reality of it is, that I don’t have to stop in the morning, or cram it all into one session. He is with me everywhere I go, every moment of every day…from the sandy beaches of the coast to the green hills and valleys of the Ohio – West Virginia border…and ALWAYS willing to listen.
Simply Celebrate With Jackie 