The Gift of Prayer

Prayer is a powerful tool gifted to us by the Lord. Communication with Him. A direct line to Him. Yet, many people don’t optimise it and neglect it. In I Thessalonians 5:16-18 we are encouraged to pray without ceasing:

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

This commandment can feel a bit burdensome or daunting if we’re not used to spending time in prayer. Sometimes prayer is dressed up as a big event, one where you have to have lists of what you’re going to talk about using special jargon but it’s not true. 

The Lord made us all unique. He knows how you communicate. The Lord knows how you speak and wants to hear YOU. He doesn’t want you to take someone else’s prayer style and offer it to Him. He wants the true authentic you to come before Him. That’s what the cross was all about. The veil was torn from top to bottom. We have direct access, instant audience with the King of Glory. God has torn the veil on His side so why are we putting veils on before Him, masking the truth. 

One thing I love about our relationship with God is how real we can be. You can be open and honest about where you’re at in that moment without fear. He is your father, your companion, your closest friend. In Psalm 139 we are told that He knows what we are going to say before we even utter a word! So if you say something to Him it won’t come as a surprise.

Prayer with the Lord doesn’t have to be complicated, a simple “thank You Jesus” is a prayer. Prayers of thanksgiving are powerful. Or, if you’re unable to speak aloud you can journal your prayers throughout the day. That’s a personal go to for me when I’m at work. I’ll just sit at my desk reflecting with the Lord and writing down what’s on my heart in that moment. If it’s a prayer request, if it’s a prayer or thanksgiving, if it’s for covering, I just write it down. 

Let the meditations of your heart be continually fixed on Him. Depend on Him for everything! 

The Lord cares for you. I know it's something we're familiar with hearing but it is true. It will never stop being true. He is so meticulously involved with your everyday life. He watches over you and calls us to come to Him in our weakness and brokenness.

Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV:

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

The Lord hears your cries and is faithful to answer. He is not afraid of your tears, in fact He invites us to bear our souls to Him, inviting Him into every area of our lives. He is the One who wipes all our tears away, the One who gives us beauty for ashes (Isaiah 61:3).

He is the One who gives us strength, He is the One who enables us to do things we can’t do, He is the One who helps us to achieve. It’s all Him. So when you take your eyes off of Him and put them on yourself of course it’s going to be hard.

He wants to guide you (Psalms 23:1). He is the One who leads you. He is the one who directs your path (Psalm 32:8). You can’t afford to make decisions without the Lord. You can’t afford to do anything without Him and you weren’t designed to. And this is why prayer is so important. Invite Him into those spaces in your life whether it’s family, relationships, work, career, education, business etc. Speak to Him about it, seek His counsel and wisdom. He is so willing to answer. The Bible says you have not because you ask not (James 4:2). 

Invite the Lord into your everyday life. Speak to Him continually. He’s not a far way off but He’s near. He’s listening to you. His ears are open to your cries. He wants to help you, to be a part of your everyday. Open up your heart to Him. Let Him in!