These past few weeks, I have been really learning why prayer is so important and why it should be a significant part of our relationship with the Lord. As a child who grew up in a Christian home, I thought we only prayed before dinner and going to bed. We prayed as a family, thanked him for the food on our plates and the beds we got to sleep in and that was it. I really did not think too much of it. As I got into high school, I used God as a vending machine: when it was convenient and when I wanted something. “Dear God, I really didn’t study for my math test. Can you help me get at least a passing grade?” or “God, I really need a parking spot. Wanna help me out?” For most of high school and the beginning of college, that’s what my prayer life was like. I used God when I needed him to come through for me. Little did I know, I was in for a rude awakening. I began to question the concept prayer. I didn’t understand why we needed to pray. God is all-knowing, right? His will is ultimately going to be done, right? So, why was it necessary for me to ask God for things like community, jobs, friendships? Friends, I struggled with this. I could not figure this out. I was doing research, reading my Bible and seeking council. I wanted to get to the bottom of this. Someone had shared one verse with me and it hit me like a ton of bricks.
And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
John 14:13
There it was, simply stated. God gets the glory. I think back to those thoughts of getting the passing grade or finding the parking spot and I didn’t even thank God for those times when it did happen. I applauded myself and figured I could get away not studying and the answers would just “come to me” again. So, not only is prayer powerful, but it is something we should take very seriously. I was at Hume Lake a couple years back as a counselor and our speaker spoke on how he viewed the idea of prayer. He shared that it is us coming before his throne so reverently humble and surrendering the wills for our life. Bowing down before the throne, praying within the will that God has for our lives and giving him the glory for what he is going to do.
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:16
Yes, God is going to bless us and give us what we need in our lives; but it may not be what we desire for ourselves. For me, I have a hard time seeing the bigger picture. I focus in on one tiny detail and I’m set. No one can change my mind. Friends, that’s an issue in my life. As I’ve been learning to pray God’s will for my life, I’ve been slowly taking off those blinders and I’m able to see why instances did or didn’t happen in my life. And it’s just not the big things. God wants to be a part of the little things in our lives. Even if it is finding that parking spot, being in communication with God daily is so important. As I’ve been in my small group, I’ve had the opportunity to pray for the ladies in my group. I do life with these special women. They have shown me how very different their approach to circumstances are because of the power we have in prayer. Whether it being talking with a boss, finding a job or just getting more sleep throughout the week. God is a part of their daily lives.
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.
Matthew 21:22
I encourage you, my friends, to be in prayer and really comprehend the power that we have in Christ because of prayer. May we approach his throne in confidence knowing that God will always listen and answer those petitions in his will for our lives. Make your requests known to God. It may not be the answer that we want, but we don’t always get to see the bigger picture. God is all-knowing, right? He’s got our lives in the palms of his hands. He loves us, his children, and wants nothing more than to bless us immensely. Continue to be in conversation with your Heavenly Father. We serve a big God who can do so much more than we could even begin to dream of.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.
Ephesians 3:20
Author: Nicole Presley