God has invited us into a relationship with Himself, a unique relationship unlike anything else a human will ever experience. Relationships require communication. Prayer is communication between a Holy God and a beloved you and me. Throughout God's Word we're taught the significance and role of prayer. Here are some of the key elements of our prayer communication with the Most High God. Each of these points offer us an opportunity to access our communication and depth of our trust, faith and confidence in Him. As you read each, consider where you are in your relationship with God.
WHY PRAY? GOD COMMANDS US TO PRAY.
“In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for Me in earnest, you will find Me when you seek Me” (Jeremiah 29:12,13). God wants to be in relationship with us. And He knows we need what He can give. Through prayer, we experience life-transforming, life-renewing intimacy with the Creator of the universe.
GOD REVEALS HIMSELF TO US THROUGH PRAYER.
“Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing” (Psalm 143:10). We learn more and more about His character His attributes, His nature and how His perfect will is working itself out in our own life, based of course on how we respond to Him. . Deepening our understanding of God also deepens our faith and desire to worship Him and serve others.
GOD INVITES US TO BRING OUR BURDENS AND NEEDS TO HIM IN PRAYER.
“Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). We have a Heavenly Father who is more than able to bring victory to any challenge we face. Sometimes our challenges are simply overcome and conquered by perseverance and trust in God, knowing that all things pass in time. God is a spiritual and physical healer. Like any healthy relationship, we must keep a line of communication open.
GOD RESPONDS TO THE PRAYERS OF HIS PEOPLE.
“The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results” (James 5:16). It is through prayer, that His work is accomplished on earth. Prayer is the power that moves the hand of God. The apostle Paul continually asked for prayer in his missionary endeavors and saw prayer as vital to his success. Are you praying for the ministries of your church, for the community, for national leaders and for the glorification of God in every circumstance of life? That’s what all Christians should be doing in communication with God. Its not always about you… its about Him and His power to work in the world.
GOD IMPARTS WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING THROUGH PRAYER.
“If you need wisdom—if you want to know what God wants you to do—ask Him, and He will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking” (James 1:5, NLT). As we become increasingly aware of our limitations, we can rest in the knowledge that our God is omniscient. Availing ourselves of God’s counsel is a blessing of prayer. Be in His Word daily, meditate and contemplate changes in your life and the way you think about things using His Word as the benchmark for everything you think you do.
GOD EXERCISES HIS AUTHORITY AND ABILITY TO DO THE IMPOSSIBLE THROUGH THE PRAYERS OF HIS PEOPLE. “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer” (Matthew 21:22). Our hearts pound with great confidence as we take mighty tasks to our exceedingly mighty Lord. Why would any believer not trust God to do what he says He will do for His beloved family?
GOD EXTENDS HIS POWER TO US THROUGH PRAYER SO THAT WE MAY RESIST TEMPTATION. “Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you. For though the spirit is willing enough, the body is weak!” (Matthew 26:41, NLT) With prayer, you always have a proven shield of protection available. Just say the word… God is never far off from anyone who seeks Him.
Contemplate your prayer communication with God. For the Christian, praying is like breathing… so breath deeply!
