Prayer Is What We All Need!
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Growing up in church, prayer was always presented to me as an obligation. It felt like something I had to do, a checkbox on my spiritual to-do list. However, as my faith matured and deepened over the years, I began to see prayer in an entirely different light – not as a duty but as a precious privilege. Now, I cherish those moments of quiet one-on-one time with God each morning when I can pour out my heart and share my deepest desires and concerns with Him. I have come to understand that God answers all our prayers in His perfect timing and according to His wisdom. Sometimes the answer is an immediate “YES,” which fills our hearts with joy and gratitude. Other times it may be a resolute “NO,” leading us down a different path that God knows is best for us. And then there are those instances where He simply asks us to patiently wait for His perfect plan to unfold.
Whenever I seek communion with God through prayer, there is one special place that brings me immense peace – McCarthy Park’s beautiful bench nestled amidst nature’s gentle embrace. There, surrounded by the tranquility of creation, I find solace in conversing with the Almighty. As I sit on that beloved bench, gazing at the lagoon, trees, and ducks around me through eyes of faith, I humbly ask God: “Lord, what do you want me to do?” With this simple question comes surrender – relinquishing control over my own life and allowing Him full access into every area of it without reservation, knowing quite well, all I want to do is God’s will. I have a special bench at McCarthy Park where I love to pray. I say to God, “Lord, what do you want me to do? Then I sit back and allow God to speak to me with promptings from His Spirit or the Bible. When I get alone to pray, I find great comfort and security in doing so. You can experience the same thing when you pray! ~ Bill Greguska
Prayer Is More Important Than You May Think!
In Reality, Prayer Is A Blessing, Not A Laborious Task!
Prayer ought to be the first option!
Prayer is a conversation between you and God; it is not asking God to change his mind, but for God to change my mind if that is His will. God wants to have a relationship with you, and prayer is one of the best ways to do this. Praying is one of the most important things a Christian can do. It is a time to communicate with God and should not be taken lightly.
There is a lot of power when we pray; it doesn’t have to be something that has to be said in a certain way, whatever is in your heart and mind. It’s something anyone can do anywhere at any time. There is no real wrong way to pray to God when you come to God humbly. It is essential to confess any sin before coming to God in prayer to cleanse your heart before the Lord. Prayer is the means for daily dialog with God, who created us. First, prayer allows us to share our cares and concerns with God. Prayer also allows us to share how much we are thankful for the things God provides. Prayer is not like rubbing a magic lamp and making a wish to a genie.
Why Pray If God Controls Everything?
Prayer Is Talking With, And Listening To God!
Be sure that when you pray, make sure you also listen to what God is trying to tell you!
Praying allows us to confess our sins and ask God for help with the temptations of life. When you pray, it is a way of honoring and worshiping God. I have two places I love the most to pray, one is in the bathroom, and the other is in McCarthy Park on a bench by the lagoon. I encourage you to ask God to give you a special place for the two of you to talk regularly. Finally, praying is a way to acknowledge that God is in control of our lives. Prayer allows us to be in a relationship with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. I have gotten into the habit of praying and journaling the first thing in the morning. I usually spend about 30 minutes reading my devotional, reading my Bible, and doing a little journaling reflection questions, which gets my day started on the right foot. ~ Bill Greguska
James 4:8 “draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”
Here Are Some Helpful Links:
- “Ask, and you shall receive,” What did Jesus mean by that?
- How can I have my prayers answered by God?
- How should a Christian respond to unanswered prayers?
- What are some hindrances to a healthy prayer life?
- What is prayer?
When You Pray?
Is your prayer life active or dormant?
- When you pray, it opens the door to express your gratitude to God for all He does. It says in Psalm 9:1, “I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders.” When we pray, we acknowledge God’s faithfulness and all His blessings.
- When we pray, it allows us to confess our sins and ask God for help to repent of our sins. Unfortunately, we will sin until we die, but thankfully we can confess our sins to God, and He will forgive us. 1 John 1:9
- When you pray, it is an act of worship and also an act of obedience. It says in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” We ought to make prayer a regular habit and do it daily.
- When you pray is a great way to confess that God is in control of our lives, not us. We need to acknowledge God’s proper place in our lives and get directions from Him, not just do what we think is right or what feels good.
- Whether you are a brand new believer in Jesus Christ or have been a believer for many years, prayer should always be considered the best way to speak to God. Just think if you did not talk to a close friend or a loved one anymore. What do you think would happen to the relationship?
Helpful Scriptures About Prayer
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17
- James 5:13-17
- Jeremiah 33:3
- Matthew 7:7-8
- Matthew 6:33
- Psalms 46:10
- Matthew 5:13
- Matthew 6:9
Answered Prayers
This is a section from The Book that I wrote
Lord, I have been praying to you for many years, which I know is my only way of talking to you. Yes, I know I have had dry spells during which I have not spoken to you for quite some time, and I am honestly sorry for that; please forgive me! Lord, I am sorry for those times when I was too busy for you because I thought I could run my own life, and I was following after my own desires and flesh.
Lord, I remember when I was in habitual sin and could not even bear to face you. I know you answer all of my prayers, sometimes with the answer yes, sometimes no, and other times wait. When I was younger, I was involved with sin a lot, so I am aware my prayers were not being answered but rather postponed. When I did pray, my prayers were often selfish and self-centered.
Lord, I remember many years ago earnestly praying for myself when I was facing time in prison, and you answered my prayer. Instead of time in prison, you blessed me with what I needed — two years in an inpatient drug and alcohol treatment program. You answered my prayer, and I kept my word and continued to follow you. I am so thankful I have been free from drugs and alcohol since 1986. I am so glad I have been able to talk to you in prayer whenever I want or need your help. I noticed the more I talk with you and seek your will for my life, the better my life has become.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
God answers prayers, but he doesn’t always answer it your way. ~ Lou Holtz, former American football player, coach, and analyst.
NeedEncouragement.com/how-to-pray
Some Specific Scriptures To Encourage You:
Philippians 4:6 ESV
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
Matthew 6:6 ESV
But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father, who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
James 5:16 ESV
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
Luke 11:9 ESV
And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
Matthew 26:41 ESV
Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit, indeed, is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Matthew 6:9-13 ESV
Pray then like this: “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.
Jeremiah 29:12 ESV
Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.
Luke 18:1 ESV
And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.
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