Prayer

Prayer. I cannot describe to you how I’ve wrestled with this spiritual discipline. I’m not good at it or at least I don’t think I am. I do pray though. Do you? Let me walk you through a couple things I’ve done in my prayer life that would be examples of what not to do. One thing I’ve done in my life is to use God as a magic fix it machine that I plug into when the poo hits the fan. Like, this: Hey God, I need my bills paid! I have no money. Can you fix it for me? Looking back on these kind of prayers I’ve learned that he answered me. It went something like this: My child, you have a job that I provided, and you get paid by your boss which I provided, with money that I provided. What did you do with that money that you can’t pay your bills? My answer: um?
Yes God will help you. He likely already has but also we must do our part.
Another thing I’ve done is to try to fix everything on my own and use God as my last resort. How rude! Paul wrote in his letter to the Philippians in 4:6: Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God.
I’ve learned that prayer isn’t our natural response to the troubles of life. Troubles will come but we don’t have to fight them. When our hearts become anxious, we can right then and there go to our Creator with it and leave it with him. My problem then is that a few moments later I pick it right back up and start worrying! That’s normal. Pray again! I think that’s what Paul meant when he said to “pray without ceasing”.
Prayer, not being our natural thing, is something that has to be developed. Practiced. Repeated. It should be how we start our day and how we spend our day and how we top it off. Why?
Jesus himself when he was here, often went to be alone and prayed. God wants our fellowship, and for us to bring our problems, our victories, our thanks and our worries and fears to him! Prayer is a time for us to know God more. When we pray, we need to also listen. Sometimes we need to wait! That’s hard.
I’ve prayed for loved ones who were sick to be healed. Then waited. And waited. I’ve prayed for friends to come to know Jesus. And I’ve waited. And waited. Sometimes he makes it clear that I need to do something but other times it’s just simply his work to do. Either way, when we pray, we can experience peace. Paul says in the same passage as before in the next verse: And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
My friends, if you struggle with prayer, it’s okay. Keep praying. The more you pray, the more you remember to pray. Soon, talking with God will be as natural as talking with your bestie. Only this one has the power, the love and the desire to help you in every way. He wants to have the conversation. All we need to do is approach him. Then the peace will come!
Set aside some quiet time today and talk with him. Then be still and listen!
Father, thank you for your love for us. For knowing us better than we know ourselves. Thank you for knowing our needs and providing all we need. In the name of Jesus, amen!

Much love!!