Prayer. Do you struggle with it?
Prayer is a H-U-G-E part of my life. I sometimes feel that I’m praying all day long. I’m not talking about closing my eyes and praying a prestigious “Oh, Most Gracious and Heavenly Father” prayer (not that there’s anything wrong with that), prayer for me is about just chatting/questioning/requesting/sharing thoughts/thanking/praising/etc. with my Very Best Friend…Jesus. He’s always available twenty-four/seven.
I often hear folks say, “I don’t know how to pray”. Whether you don’t know how, maybe you’ve been raised in a denomination that is more traditional in their prayers, or you (like many) feel that your words aren’t worthy enough to talk to God…you can do this! Simply GET REAL WITH GOD. Yes, talk to Him just like you do a friend standing beside you.
He knows your thoughts; “You know when I sit down and when I get up. You know my thoughts from far away.” Psalm 139:2. Yet, He truly desires for you to share them with Him. I’m often reminded of those times in the bible when God questions (like with Adam and Eve) and asks, “Where are you?”. God knew. He knows ALL…“When our hearts make us feel guilty, we can still have peace before God, because God is greater than our hearts. HE KNOWS EVERYTHING.” 1 John 3:20. I think He just wants us to admit, recognize, and confess where we are or what’s going on in our lives, so that we can communicate with Him. I pray that you will lay it all down at the foot of the cross and get real with God.
Communication. We hear (and hopefully know) that in a marriage, or any relationship, communication is key. So, when we share our thoughts with God, we probably don’t want a one-sided conversation all the time. If and when you want to hear from God, one way is to open up His word. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” The bible will show you what is wrong in your life and will correct you, and teach you the right way to live. It will guide you when trying to make a decision; “With every step you take, think about what He wants, and He WILL help you go the right way.” Proverbs 3:6 ERV. Listen, HE KNOWS what is best for your life and has a plan. WE just need to chat with Him about it. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6. I pray that you will chat it up throughout the day with Jesus.
Another way to hear God is to look around you. God spoke to Moses through a burning bush. (Exodus 3:2-3), the Israelites through a cloud and fire (Exodus 13:21), to Jonah through circumstances (Jonah 1-4), to many through dreams and thoughts, to Gideon through a fleece (Judges 6:37-40), to Saul through a bright light (Acts 9:1-5), and even to Balaam through a donkey (Numbers 22:1-35). Personally, I’ve heard God through putting out grass seed, through a song, in the eyes of others, from a cross shaped stick on the side of the road, oh so many places and things and circumstances. How? Because I was focusing my eyes on what God desired and not what I desired, or sometimes it was like a slap in the face when I wasn’t even looking. He knows your heart. I pray your heart will desire Him and His will for your life. You just may find yourself seeing and hearing God in all kinds of crazy places like me.
Read and say it back…I’d like to encourage you to read a bible verse and turn it into a prayer. For example:
Verse: “Light and happiness shine on those who want to do right.” Psalm 97:11.
Prayer: Lord, I want to do right. I may be tempted to do the wrong thing today, but I need Your help to stop me from doing wrong and to focus on doing what is right in Your sight. Let me be the light you desire for me to be. I want to be happy and want others to see happiness in me. I know they will when I look more like You. Help me to be more like You, Lord. Shine on me and may I shine for you to others. Amen.
Okay, so that went a little longer than I expected, but hopefully you’ll get the point. Simply turn His words into your words back to Him. Get it? Desire what He desires. Say it. Believe it. Live it. Breathe. Breathe His word in and out onto others simply by living His truth. I pray for you to get into His word and pray scripture.
There are so many things I could say about prayer. I’ve taught about it in a workshop and have written about it numerous times (Please click here to read…oh about 40+ times journal entries regarding prayer! Seriously. I hope you will read them (ignore the grammar…I’m not an editor, I just write from the heart) and find one or a few that speak(s) to you. I’d love to hear how the words God gave to me helped you in some way.).
I’m praying for YOU now. Simply for God to bless you today in an unexpected way and for you to have peace in Him and strength through Him. (That truly was a simple, short, and heartfelt prayer. See…it doesn’t have to be long.)
Blessings to you and yours. Have a glorious day. Find the good in all. Enjoy soaking up The Son in the sun (or whatever type of weather you are experiencing.) Love, Stephanie