Prayer Changes Us
I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws.
Psalm 119:30
Faith in our Lord starts with prayer and the more faith we have in the Lord the more we pray. Prayer also shows our dependence on the Lord and the more we depend on the Lord the more we pray. From the four Gospels we can see that Jesus prayed virtually every day, sometimes early in the morning and sometimes in the evening. Jesus prayed to the Father because he had perfect faith and depended on the Father.
Prayer changes us to trust the Lord more and to become more dependent on him. We will look and see the process of how the Lord changes us through prayer. The more time we spend with someone the more you get to know them and it is the same way with our Lord. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:11) Satan will try and keep our hearts divided so we continue through our day forgetting to call on the Lord. We learn to be dependent on the Lord by prayer, communing with him during the day seeking his guidance and power in our lives. This is the process of learning to be dependent on the Lord.
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5) We are to live each day being a light for Christ, and we depend on the Lord through the Spirit to achieve this. In our own wisdom and knowledge we will have little effect, but through prayer we have the words and scriptures that the Lord has given to us, the words and scriptures that the people we are ministering to need to hear.
Prayer also changes us by increasing our faith. As we walk each day serving the Lord, depending on the Lord, the more faith we will have. Dependence leads to faith and faith leads to dependence, but it all hinges on prayer and walking in obedience to his will. The more we minister to the world the more we pray, the more we are in the Word, and the more meaningful church becomes.
Prayer not only leads to more faith and dependence on the Lord, prayer leads to communion with the Lord through our day, seeking his guidance and wisdom. Once communion with the Lord becomes natural, then our thoughts become more focused on the Lord. Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. (Romans 8:5) Once our minds are spiritually focused, we will commune with the Lord and spend more time in prayer. As we get closer to the Lord, the more motivated we are be closer. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. (Psalm 34:8)
Today take time to pray whenever the Spirit prompts you. Commune with the Lord, praise him, give thanks, and ask him for guidance in everything. He desires to help you succeed in everything you do today.
Prayer: Lord, fill my heart with the desire to depend on you and seek your love and wisdom through prayer. Help me to depend on you in all things, and do all things as your servant. In Jesus name, Amen