Have you ever wondered what prayer really does?
Do you find it difficult to pray because you feel as if you're only engaged in a conversation with yourself? Feelings like this are common, especially for those who are just beginning to develop a relationship with Christ.
But prayer really is important and it accomplishes so much. Let's take a very brief look at prayer—a kind of primer—to get you started.
Prayer is a mechanism for us to stay connected to God.
First Thessalonians 5:17 says to “pray without ceasing.” Although we might feel as if we are talking to the air when we pray, God is listening! Would He command us to pray constantly if He were not ready and willing to answer our prayers and direct our
lives to be in harmony with His will?
Indeed, prayer is an essential component to our survival and victory over sin on this earth. Without it, conquering our temptations because of our innate sinful nature is much more difficult. The Bible says we were born in sin and shaped in iniquity (Psalm
51:5); therefore, we cannot fight sin on our own. The only way to gain victory is through Christ, but we must have a relationship with Him to be victorious.
Prayer keeps us in constant communication with the Savior, whom is our sole source for salvation and victory!
Prayer is our opportunity.
In addition to helping us develop a closer relationship with God, prayer is an opportunity for us to voice our deepest desires and hopes directly to Him. Philippians 4:6 says, “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
Yes, God already knows our every thought, but oh, how He desires for us to come freely to Him and ask Him to be part of the answer. And we know that we have been heard by someone who deeply loves us.
James 5:16 tell us that the “effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Remember that prayer isn’t a kind of wish list for anything you want in the world; however, a prayer request in keeping with God’s will can work miracles.
As you grow in prayer, you will “see” God’s answering your prayers as life unfolds and you will feel His Spirit upon you.
Why would we not want to pray?
Prayer is a lifeline in a raging ocean. If you were drowning in a storm-tossed ocean and someone tossed you a lifeline, would you ignore it? Or would you grab for it and hold on for dear life?
We have to fervently grab onto prayer and use it as a lifeline of salvation that will keep us connected to Christ our Savior.
So what do you think? Why not challenge yourself? Make prayer a special part of your life for 90 days and see what God will do for you. Or give it a special emphasis when you watch MIQ—and see how God speaks to your heart!