Make Prayer a Priority
And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
Matthew 14:13-14
Prayer is the only way we can talk to God. If we neglect prayer are we telling God we aren’t depending on him or we don’t trust him? Praying shows that we are seeking his help and guidance through our day, and that we have faith in him. It’s through prayer that he guides us through the day, enabling us to know him and build a close loving relationship with him.
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:6) The more faith we have the more we will pray. The faith that pleases God is the faith to surrender to his will, step off the throne, and trust God with his answer to our prayers. We trust God because he is God and we are his servants living in his love.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) Praying without ceasing means we commune with the Lord throughout the day. We rejoice in prayer, giving thanks and praise, and asking for his guidance and help. We learn to depend on the Lord for his divine wisdom over our own limited abilities. The Lord wants us to depend on him because he has infinite wisdom and understanding; characteristics that we don’t possess. Depending on the Lord is wisdom on our part, and reveals our faith in recognizing the divine nature of God. If we are not depending on the Lord, then we are depending on ourselves and becoming our own gods.
When we truly depend on the Lord, pray, and commune with him, with strong faith surrendered to his will, walking as his servant, then the Lord reveals himself in our lives. When we pray for the glory of God, we can be sure he answers. We pray based on our limited understanding, but the Lord knows us perfectly. He knows our situations in life, and knows the hearts of all people. He, therefore, answers our prayers based on our requests and his divine knowledge. Consequently, we should accept the Lord’s answers. If we expect God to answer our prayers exactly according to our own understanding we will be limiting his love and power in our lives.
When you pray and commune with the Lord, be still and listen for the Spirit’s guidance. The more we understand the Lord’s language (the Bible) the better we will hear the Spirit. When we pray it is important that we walk in accordance with his will. Our prayers depend on our walk. If you don’t hear the Spirit’s direction, pray for direction and seek direction in the Word. Reading the Word should be conversation with the Lord, because the Word is alive. (Hebrews 4:12)
Today, spend time in prayer and commune with the Lord, to show you depend on him and trust him. Make prayer your priority, praising and thanking the Lord, and seeking his guidance and help through your day. He will help you in your daily tasks, mold you to be more Christ-like, and help you to reflect Christ to others.
Let’s Pray: Lord, help me to be dependent on you and spend my day communing with you. I know the more I commune with you the more I can walk in your love and wisdom. Thank you for hearing my prayers and my cries for help. In Jesus’ name, Amen.