Prayer for many is to request items, funds or when one is in danger. For some it’s a lifestyle, an open communication to the Heavenly Father; praying in season and out of season. In 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”. Prayer is the essential tool needed to combat the wiles of the enemy, it’s the way to the heart of the master, it’s a time to bond with the one who loves you so dearly. “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth” Psalm 145:18. Often people believe there is a structured way in which it should occur however it’s merely a conversation as you would with a friend. For example, when talking to a friend, one would talk while the other listens and vice versa. Many believe prayer is a long list of what you need, your expectations etc. Prayer is merely having a talk with your Father about what’s on your heart whether it’s about your job, how you’re feeling, issues you may having with others. However, the Heavenly Father says,” But when you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you”, Matthew 6:6. God is concerned about any and everything that makes us sad, smile, angry, frustrated what have you.
Prayer consists of Praising, Repenting, Asking and Yielding; the most needed elements to reach our Father who’s in Heaven. Praise and worship are a form of prayer that can be done anywhere, for instance, cleaning, driving, cooking, walking, or just sitting and basking in His presence. When we pray, we ought to come to the Father as humble as can be, asking for forgiveness of our sins and truthfully meaning it to be transformed. Once we truly do that, 1 John 5:15 states “and if we know that he hears us whatever we ask we know that we have what we asked of him”. Our prayers are often heard but for many have expectations (Instant gratification) or lack of expectations of how wonderful the Lord is and what he can do in our lives. God wants us to have an abundant life, but we often get in the way of our own destiny. When we yield to our Father, it’s not just sitting and waiting, it’s more to it; what does it mean to yield? Yielding mean to surrender, submit, one to another, according to webster’s definition. With that in mind, we must be mindful that we are not our own and should fully give ourselves to the Lord in all aspects of our being. How do we do that, Matthew 16: 24-25 states, “if anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me”. Submission means go all in, not wavering, not thinking of the what if’s, not wondering when but total submission standing on faith that God will never leave you nor forsake you. When we put all these practices into play then you will see the fruits of your labor.
Pray, not just for you but for your neighbors, friends, family, even your enemies like Matthew 5 :44 says, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”. Prayer has opened doors, healed many, covered others and helps strengthen us in times of need. Prayer should be our second language when times get rough. When problem arises, we should not run to our significant other, not even our friends. The first person we should run to is the Almighty one because he has a solution for all our needs. When we trust and have faith that God will do what he says he would do, consider it done. Amid the trials, stand firm and wait, that is the must uncomfortable portion of prayer is the waiting. Sometimes we pray and days pass by, months pass by and even years but that’s all part of the process. Prayer is beneficial for us especially when the enemy throws darts our way, prayer will revive us, prayer sustains us, prayer will give us revelation when we need it. When it is all said and done, we need prayer to survive, especially in this tumultuous time that we’re living in.
