Over the last 7 weeks we have covered different aspects of prayer and discussed why they are important. So here’s a quick recap of what we shared with our readers and followers.
The Lord’s Prayer is simple and straight forward, a perfect model of prayer. This is how Jesus prayed. It is how we should pray also. God doesn’t want to hear a prayer with lots of big words that scholars enjoy (and only scholars understand!). He wants your prayer. How you speak from what’s in your heart. How you would speak to any friend. We don’t have to use it word for word every single time we pray. It is a guideline, something to go off. (The Lord’s Prayer - Matthew 6:9-13.)
Yelling out at the top of your lungs is about being open with God. Letting Him know how you really truly feel inside. When times are tough, we can call out to God, with open hearts and tears down our faces. It’s a heartfelt prayer. Letting Him know the deepest desires of your heart. You want this person healed of their disease, you don’t want to move away, you want your friend out of a troublesome situation. Cry out to God. He wants us too.
Persistence means never giving up. Going on and on while a glimmer of hope dares to show itself. When your heart truly desires something, pray persistently. Believe that your prayers will be answered. If you want something, would you really only ask once? If it was something that you really wanted to happen, I’m sure you would ask more than once, and bring it before God in prayer. But at the same time, we have to listen for God’s answer, even if it’s not what we wanted to hear.
When you haven’t heard Gods answer yet, and you have hope that He will yet answer your prayer, keep praying. If you keep praying God says He will come through for you. Luke 11:5-10 says, “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” But be honest with yourself and God. When God says, “No”, to your pleading, respect and fear Him by putting it to rest. There is a time to for persistent praying and a time for laying it to rest.
Intercession means to pray on behalf of someone else. This post was pointing out the importance of lifting other up in prayer. The bible instructs us to pray for others. Even specific people like others, our Kings and Leaders worldwide, for the lost to be saved, the world to be touched, missionaries, workers to be sent, our churches and their leaders, Christians, the sick, family, friends, work and school associates.
Praying for forgiveness. When we feel our guilt, we need to confess it to Him without holding anything back and moaning with tears that you will be forgiven. Know that when you confess and ask for forgiveness that you ARE forgiven, for He has already paid the penalty. He cannot re-do histroy, for those that are saved all our past, present and future sins were killed at the foot of the cross before you were even born. You are forgiven.
As far as the east is from the west, so far has He moved our transgressions from us. – Psalm 103: 12
Praying is not just about me, my problems, other peoples problems and the like. You dont just discuss the stuff your going through with your friends, you move on. Thank God for what He has done. Stop telling God how big the storm is and tell the storm how big your God is. Start noticing the little things that bless you throughout your day that you can thank God for. The sun, a persistently scented flower waving to catch your attention, a hug from a friend, a surprise email or phone call, a word of encouragment, a smile from a little baby.
"Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever."
It not only will lift your spirits, it will help you feel Gods presence and me more in tune with Him.
These are just snippets of what the articles were about. If you would like to learn or see more, feel free to read the article.
This was a blessing. :)
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