Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Prayer has been a very important part of my life since I accepted Jesus Christ over 50 years ago in a small, local evangelical church in Pennsylvania. Communicating with God throughout the day and bringing the needs of family, friends, church members, and others blesses my heart and soul.
Christ gave us guidelines on “how” we are to pray in Matthew 6:9-13: The Lord’s Prayer (NIV).
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread, Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Matthew 6:6-8 (NIV) teaches us what to do “when” we pray: “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”
There are several benefits that we can consider on what prayer “does” for us overall: It…
. Changes us – Psalm 51:10, Psalm 139:23-24
. Heals us – Matthew 9:20:22, II Chronicles 7:19
. Strengthens us – Ephesians 3:16, Philippians 4:13
. Protects us – John 17:15, Psalm 32:6-7
. Guides us – Psalm 98:14, Psalm 119:105
. Increases our faith – Romans 10:17, Hebrews 11:1, 6
I Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV) tells us that we are to “pray without ceasing.” The greatest gift that we can give someone is to pray with and for them. James 5:16 (NIV) says, “Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”
I am also reminded daily for the need to pray when I read the following decorative wall words on the wall facing me as I have my daily devotions:
. SING your song
. DREAMS your dreams
. HOPE your hope, and
. PRAY your prayer
When there are times when I do not know who and what to pray for, I just ask Him and He shows me. Sitting quietly in His presence and meditating on His Word gives me the strength I need to begin a new day.
Over 45 years ago since my husband and I became involved in various churches–music ministry, youth ministry, associate pastors, and now in a small church pastorate–I have seen lives miraculously changed and a few of them are currently involved in some type of outreach ministry as well. After running from God since the age of 19, my father (at the age of 72) gave his life back to God on his deathbed. Many of my brothers and sisters have given their lives to the Lord as well–all through the power of prayer by many individuals in that small, evangelical church so many years ago.
God can meet our needs, great or small. He already knows what is in our hearts…but he just wants us to ask Him and He will answer us, according to His will.
May the Lord bless and keep you in His care today.
Blessings on you,
Yvonne