One of the most important requests the disciples asked of the Lord was “Lord, teach us to pray.” Look at these scriptures:
“And it came to pass, that, as Jesus was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, LORD, TEACH US TO PRAY, as John also taught his disciples. And Jesus said unto them,
WHEN YOU PRAY, say, OUR FATHER in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, YOUR WILL BE DONE, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but DELIVER US FROM EVIL.” (Luke 11:1-4)
Notice the Lord said, “WHEN you pray” IT’S NOT AN OPTION for us, IF we want to maintain a relationship with our Lord. Prayer is such an important part OF MY PERSONAL LIFE; I don’t know how I could go through a day without talking to my best friend WHO HAPPENS TO BE MY LORD AND SAVIOR. Please accept this advice for your life’s journey:
- SET ASIDE A TIME FOR PRAYER. Block off a certain time and find a quiet place. GIVE PRAYER PRIORITY IN YOUR SCHEDULE.
- DISCUSS YOUR LIFE WITH THE LORD. Too many times we “do our prayers“ and then move on. We have taken care of our guilt but we have never really touched the throne. So, MAKE YOUR PRAYER TIME PERSONAL. Talk honestly about your struggles, your fears, and your calendar. THEN LISTEN CAREFULLY. “CALL TO ME, and I WILL ANSWER YOU, and SHOW YOU great and mighty things, which YOU DO NOT KNOW.” (Jeremiah 33:2-3)
- USE THE WORD OF GOD AS A STARTING POINT. Read through a passage of Scripture and then apply that scripture to your life. When you read a command to “forgive others” ASK GOD TO HELP YOU RELEASE THE BITTERNESS AND THE HURT THAT MAKES YOU RESIST THAT COMMAND. When you read about the importance of “thinking pure thoughts” confess the areas where your thinking is polluted and ask God for help to think better. This practice will help you focus on the deeper issues rather than the superficial.
- KEEP A PRAYER LIST. Make a list of the people you pray for. Be specific. What needs do you want to help carry for another. When someone asks you to pray for them…ADD THEM TO YOUR LIST. Then make it a point to contact these people and tell them you are praying for them daily. This is important because the next time you are tempted to omit your time of prayer you will remember that YOU TOLD SOMEONE YOU WERE PRAYING FOR THEM…and in your desire to be faithful you will make time to pray.
- TAKE TIME TO NOTICE GOD’S ANSWERS TO PRAYER. God answers in many ways – Sometimes He gives us what we expected. Sometimes He answers in unexpected ways. Sometimes He removes a burden . . . other times HE GIVES STRENGTH TO ENDURE THE BURDEN. Sometimes He provides the things we want. OTHER TIMES HE CHANGES OUR WANTS by teaching us to be content. Sometimes He answers right away…other times He waits until we are ready. Notice the answers, and when you notice BE SURE TO THANK HIM.
“…The earnest [heartfelt, continued] prayer of a righteous man makes TREMENDOUS POWER available [dynamic in its working].“ (James 5:16)
WE CAN TAKE TIME TO NOTICE GOD’S ANSWERS TO OUR PRAYERS AND THANK HIM!
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham