Prayer

I've been praying for as long as I can remember. As a child, I could not go to sleep unless I prayed. Nowadays, I pray wherever I am and everywhere I go. I pray in the car, I pray standing, on my knees, in the bathroom, in my bed, in the grocery store, at the doctor's office. I literally pray everywhere. I used to be embarrassed to pray in the car while driving, because sometimes I get very radical in prayer and I didn't want people driving next to me looking at me like I was crazy, but sometimes...a prayer warrior has to do what a prayer warrior has to do. You just have to pray and it doesn't matter where you are!

I pray a lot by myself, but also with my husband and children. We pray before we eat and before we sleep. I also pray with others and for others. There is power in prayer and its an easy way to communicate with God. I also encourage you to pray with others. Prayer is even more powerful where there are two or more gathered (Matthew 18:20). Another thing you should take note on is that our Heavenly Father hears every prayer and knows what you need before you ask (Matthew 6:8). So ask away. Prayer isn't meant to be hard or daunting. You would talk to God just as you would talk to your best friend or close family member.

Listen here, my mother had 9 of us children, and she's always said that her kids have been healthy with no major problems because of her prayers. I'd have to agree. Prayer also provides protection, as well as peace. I'm somewhat of a worrier and get fearful at times (that may be why I pray so much). But prayer helps calm my anxiety. We ought to cast our anxieties on Him for he cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). Many people have commented on how they see the power of prayer in my life. I've had friends and family tell me that they can see God working in my life, how much He blesses me, or that He always answers my prayers. But God can do this for anyone; I am no one special!

God's Word says you have not because you do not ask (James 4:3). Have you asked God for anything? I mean really asked and prayed? Think of prayer like this; I am going to give you an example. Let's say God answers 10% of everyone's prayers. If you pray 10 prayers, you'd get one answered. If someone else prays 100 prayers, he or she will get 10 prayers answered. If I pray 1000 prayers, 100 of my prayers get answered. So pray about everything and pray continually. The more you pray, the more prayers you have of getting answered! That may not be the greatest example but we need to persistent like the woman in the Bible (Luke 18:1-8)!

You may be wondering. Well, if God knows what I need, why do I have to pray? Why wouldn't He just answer my prayers since He knows everything. Yes, it's true that God is all knowing (Psalm 139) but He also wants to know that You acknowledge Him as the Creator and Giver. Imagine you are running errands with your child on a Saturday afternoon, pass by multiple ice cream shops, and then get home. Your child pouts and is upset at you so you ask why. She says you passed by the ice cream shops and didn't get her any. Of course you know your child would be up for eating ice cream any time of day (what child doesn't?), but she never requested any ice cream when you passed by the shops. If she did, you would have surely gotten her some. God is similar to this. We have to make our requests known (Philippians 4:6), and be specific with our requests. We need to honor Him as our Heavenly Father and have faith that He will answer us. Ask God, pray! God doesn't only bless me or only love me. Try it and you will see.

The Bible says to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything (Philippians 4:6). So I challenge you to do the same. Hebrews 4:16 also says to come boldly to the throne of grace. I have no doubt in my mind that God is going to answer your prayers. But remember that He does it in His timing and He checks your motives. So no, if you pray to win the Powerball, I'm more than certain that won't happen (even if you vow to feed the hungry). Nonetheless, PRAY! Prayer asks and invites God to move. Have faith because God is faithful!

Let us Pray.

Wonderful Father,

You are mighty and sovereign, all knowing, and always with us. And for this we give you praise! I thank you for the readers and ask that you move in their lives. Some of them are new to prayer while others have always communicated with You in prayer. Regardless, help them to build up their prayer life and to do so with ease. We know that the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak (Matthew 25:41), so if there is anything that is hindering them from prayer Lord, remove it right now in Jesus' Name. Show them that they can pray anytime and anywhere. You did not create prayer to be hard, but You created prayer so that we could talk to you and come to You for all things.

So I pray that the readers will be bold and courageous. Move mightily when they pray and give ear to their prayers for your Word says, ask and you shall receive (Matthew 7:7). If there are barriers to their prayers being answered (like wrong motives) then show them. I know that You will answer their prayers just as you have answered mine. I know that You will bless them just as You have blessed me because You are kind, loving, and merciful.

In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Prayerfully,

Pam