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(1 Thessalonians 5:17) “Pray continually.”
SERIES 7: WALKING WITH JESUS - “How do I now live because I belong to Christ?” 6. A Life of Prayer (Conversations with God become your greatest privilege).
Following Jesus means learning that prayer is not simply something we do when we need help. Prayer is the privilege of having a relationship with God Himself.
Think about that for a moment. The God who created the universe invites us to communicate with Him. Because of what Jesus accomplished for us, we can come directly into God's presence. We don't need a special building, a particular person, or perfect words.
Yet prayer can easily become routine. We ask God for things, tell Him what we're worried about, thank Him when something goes well, and then get on with the rest of our day.
But Jesus invites us into something much deeper. Prayer is relationship. Jesus Himself regularly withdrew from the crowds to spend time with His Father. If the Son of God considered time with the Father essential, how much more do we need it?
Prayer isn't about giving God information He doesn't already know. He knows our needs, fears, failures and desires. Prayer means bringing our whole selves into His presence.
Sometimes that means asking. Sometimes thanking. Sometimes confessing. Sometimes crying. And sometimes simply sitting quietly before Him because we don't know what else to say.
God isn't waiting for us to find perfect words. He wants honesty.
The Psalms are full of people speaking honestly to God. They express joy, fear, anger, confusion, loneliness, gratitude and hope. God wasn't offended by their honesty. They brought all of it to Him, and we can do the same.
There will be times when prayer feels easy and times when our words seem to disappear into the ceiling. Don't assume that silence means God has gone. God's presence does not depend upon our feelings. Sometimes prayer is simply choosing to keep turning towards Him when we cannot feel anything at all.
We may begin prayer asking God to change our circumstances, but as we remain in His presence, He often begins changing us. Anxiety becomes trust. Anger begins to soften. Confusion gives way to peace. Our desires begin to align with His, and we start seeing people differently because we are learning to see them through His eyes.
Jesus also taught us to pray for others. Prayer takes us beyond ourselves as we begin carrying the needs of our families, friends, churches, communities and even people who may never know we prayed for them.
Sometimes God changes the circumstances. Sometimes He changes us. Either way, prayer keeps us connected to the One who sees what we cannot.
Prayer is not about getting God to do what we want. It is about learning to trust the God who knows what is best.
So don't make prayer another religious duty to tick off your list. Talk to your Father when you're happy, frightened, angry, confused or when you've failed. Talk to Him when you have no idea what to say—and when everything is going well.
The goal isn't to become someone who prays impressive prayers.
It's to be aware that God is with them.
Prayer is not merely something we do. Prayer is how we learn to walk with Him.
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Let us pray, "Heavenly Father, thank You for this reminder. I woke up this morning with all these concerns in my head. Can I please share them with You as my friend ... Amen!
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URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS (Please keep checking as more are being added almost daily)