Pray and Then Pray Some More
Angry, sad, afraid? Pray! Sick, feeling down, or burnt out? Pray! There are so many Bible verses that talk about praying. Why is that? Well, first and foremost, prayer is how we communicate with our Heavenly Father. If you read the Bible, you see in the Old Testament that only Priests were allowed to be in the presence of God (after they had done all the rituals). Meaning, no one could just go and freely talk to God. If you continue reading, you will also see that God only spoke to certain people. Not everyone was able to hear from God. The people of Israel looked to Moses for direction because God spoke to Moses. But after Christ was crucified and rose on the third day (1 Corinthians 5:4), Christ gave us access to talk to our Father personally. Isn't that great news?
Have you ever been in a courthouse or watched a case on TV and you just wanted to scream out and tell the judge the truth? Well, we can't. Only lawyers, attorneys, and public defenders can talk. Sometimes the plaintiff, defendant or whoever the judge gives the floor to can speak, but the judge has to give that person permission. It isn't that way with God. It's not true that only Pastors can pray. We all have access to God, and we can all talk to God. We don't have to talk to God through someone else. James 5:13 says is anyone among you troubled? Let them pray. Also, when you pray, you are seeking God. You humbly say, Lord, I am not smart enough or strong enough to solve this problem, and I need your assistance. He is glad to help. Jeremiah 29:12 says then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. There really is no super special or eloquent way to pray. Pray from your heart and pray in the name of Jesus since it's because of Jesus that we can go directly to God.
So the next time you think of complaining, pray. Instead of gossiping, pray. Before you vent, pray. God can take it. He knows what is going on anyway. (You can save yourself some time from explaining the whole story.) Go to Him and with a sincere heart. He will show you what you ought to do, or what you ought NOT to do. Who better to get advice from than the Creator of the Universe? He is the only one qualified enough to handle your problems. Also, the Bible tells of many instances where Jesus had to withdraw and pray. Yes, that's right. JESUS, the Son of God had to step away to pray. Luke 12 shares how Jesus went to the mountain side and spent the night praying to God. Prayer is powerful and prayer works.
I would not be where I am today without prayer. You've read some trials I went through. My life would be a lot worse and hopeless if God did not intervene. Prayer also gives us the opportunity to confess our sins. Have you ever done something and felt horrible? It's natural to feel bad about something hurtful you've done. Don't just keep thinking about it, tell God how bad you feel. There is forgiveness waiting for you at the end of your prayer. And if you think that God doesn't speak back. I will write it again, you need to open up a Bible. God speaks through His Word and He will speak to you. He will give you insight to your problem and let you know what you ought to do (or not to do). Have faith. I have never regretted doing something God has told me to do, or not to do. It is always for our benefit. God can do all things (Matthew 19:26). He is waiting for you and wanting to hear what you have to say. Go ahead, give it a shot. It's easy. Pray.
Let us Pray.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for these lovely people reading and thank you for the gift of prayer. Thank you that we can come to you and present our petitions (Philippians 4:6). You are the God who gives and the one who takes. You are the Author and Finisher. Help these people grow in their prayer life and recognize the purpose and power in prayer. And Lord, as they pray. Answer their prayers for you know what they need before they say it (Matthew 6:8). As they place their faith, hope, and trust in You, comfort them and show them what they should or shouldn't do. If they are at the end of the rope, show them that there is no problem too big for You. Bring light to their darkness and speak to them through Your Word. Thank you Lord.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Prayerfully,
Pam
