It’s Time To Pray

Have you ever asked someone in need how you could help and had them answer, “Just pray.” I know I’ve said that myself. I’ve even said, “I’ll pray for you; it’s the least I can do…”

[Insert stunned,  big-eyed emoji here] If only we knew how powerful prayer really is, we would never say such things. The Bible is replete with accounts of those who cried out to God in prayer, resulting in wombs being opened, fires dying down, loved ones being healed, Kings being appointed, lives being spared, and the list goes on!

Prayer is powerful! It’s one of the greatest privileges we could partake of- to speak to an all-powerful, almighty, all-knowing God, who hears us- no, better yet- listens to us and answers us in a way only He can do!

Unfortunately, we often have to be desperate without any other viable options before falling to our knees in prayer. Instead of regarding prayer as a gift, we often view it as a chore. And, to be fair, it is a discipline. This is why it’s essential to integrate prayer into our lives in a way that is unique and meaningful to us as individuals. For example, if you like to run, perhaps you talk to God while running. Thank Him for giving you a strong body and mind. Thank Him for the beauty of His creation. Ask for what you need. Prayers need not be long, drawn-out paragraphs (like this one). They can be short statements of praise and can have few words. I think of how my kids prayed when they were young: “Thank you, God, for a home. Please help those who don’t have a home."

There is not enough room here to list all the benefits of prayer. By praying, we trust God with our hearts, our dreams, our hurts and our desires. He leans in and listens. He answers us according to His will (often very different from our own will, but always best).

Prayer is crucial! It changes lives, circumstances and, most importantly, eternal destinations! Prayer joins in the supernatural battle that rages around us.

Feel awkward when you pray? Good news: God wants our hearts more than our words. You don’t need to be eloquent; you just need to be real. Pour out your heart to Him in prayer starting today, and just watch what He will do!