I am listening to a great CD series while in my car titled "The Hope in Prayer" by John Eldredge. I have learned a lot about prayer and what the scripture says about prayer through various mediums in my life. I was encouraged to hear what John had to say, and it reinforced many of the thoughts I have had on having effective prayer. I also found areas I needed to improve upon.
One of the quotes from John that has stuck in my head is, "When you think you are done praying, you are just getting warmed up." So many times I start praying early in the morning, and then the girls come down stairs and the cat starts wanting attention, and my prayer time is interrupted. I think I will get back to a deeper talk with God once everyone is out of the house, but then I get distracted by other things. Other times I think I have gotten through my prayer list efficiently, but I really could have gone a lot deeper. Time is always a factor for us in these areas. That is why it is good to be praying throughout the day with purpose for the people that come into your mind.
When I really set aside meaningful time with God, it is amazing the things I am prompted to pray for. John talks about effective prayer opening channels. There is a way to pray, and we often read off our "wish list" and don't really pray effectively. Effective prayer was taught by Jesus when He gave us "The Lord's Prayer" (Matthew 6 and Luke 11).
"Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil."
John reminded me of the fact that we are asked to pray for the Kingdom of Christ to come, AND that God's will be done. We would not be asked to pray these things if they were a given. God's kingdom has not come, and His will is not being done, and if we are asked to pray these things,then our prayers must matter to Him. If our prayer matters to God, then they must have the ability to make change.
Our prayers make a difference. God is not unmoved by our prayers. Prayer can change things, and we should always be praying with expectation and searching for God's will. Sometimes we don't know what to pray. Do we pray for reconciliation, healing, a job? Yes, we should pray for these things with the knowledge that God hears and acts. especially when we pray with perseverance.
John spoke on the CD about the story of Elijah who prayed diligently for rain. He kept sending his servant out to look for any sign of rain. Seven times he sent out his servant. Finally a cloud appeared. What if Elijah had given up on the third prayer? We can't give up on our prayers, but we also need to be aligned with God's will and pray with great hope and faith that He is able.
Are you praying for something that has not yet been answered? Keep praying! God's hears you and is working on your behalf. Sometimes the answer is no, and sometimes the answer is not now, but we need to be persistent and patient with our prayers. How do we know what to do? Ask God to put upon your heart what needs to be cleared out of your life so that the line of communication is open for Him to talk to you about what you need to pray for, and how to pray.
I am so thankful to know that God listens to me and wants to work on my behalf.
Blessings,
Sandy
