E.M. Bounds once said, "No amount of praying today is sufficient for tomorrows trials." The same way our bodies need sustenance daily, so also need our spirits, prayer. Many good Christians have gone through this life eating everything in the natural and neglecting their spiritual selves.
While our relationships remain secure based on marriage, family connection or genetics, they are strengthened and made meaningful as we communicate. In this same way our relationship to God is secured through Jesus. It becomes joyful and rich as we pray.
How long has it been since you stopped to pray--not for a need or a want but merely to say thanks or to worship? Can you remember the last morning that you started by giving praise to God instead of hitting the snooze repeatedly? If you cannot recall, let today be a day of new beginnings in prayer.
Prayer does several things that otherwise we will not experience:
1. Prayer develops our personality- As we have conversation with the father whose identity we experience.
2. Prayer gives us confidence to succeed- As we pray we are aware of the greatness of our God who blesses our lives.
3. Prayer solves problems- Got a problem? Talk to the one who knows the names of the stars and the number of hairs on your head.
4. Prayer reminds of our need- In prayer we realize our weakness and the need for God's greatness.
5. Prayer reveals God's will- Many people act on impulse. God acts on purpose. Prayer helps us to discover His heart and will.
If you are not a person of prayer, don't set a lofty goal of praying for an hour each day. Instead decide right now that you're going to pray tomorrow, and then do it!
Bless your week!
Pastor |
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