Did you know prayer is the most important form of communication between you and God?
Prayer can change problems from overwhelming to manageable, bring peace in the midst of chaos and help us overcome struggles, problems and more. The book of James {5:17} says, "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man {or woman} accomplishes much" It means the hot, on fire, persistent prayer of a righteous person can accomplish great things. A fervent prayer is one that does not cease or give up until the problem or situation is resolved. This kind of prayer comes from the depths of our soul, cries in the night hours and pleads before the throne of God for the need to be met.
The Bible offers us an illustration of being persistent. In Luke 18:1-5 we see the story of a widow woman who desperately needed help from a Judge to avenge her adversary. This judge did not regard man or God. However, the widow continued to pester him night and day asking that him to help her. Finally, the judge got tired of her endless request and granted her request just so she would leave him alone. This illustration clearly shows us that persistence was the key to having her request granted. The widow did the very thing Jesus told us to do in Matthew 7:7, 8. "Keep on asking and it will be given to you, keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking and the door will be opened."
What do you need from God?
The need could be healing or salvation for a loved one, financial provision, help to overcome a bondage a job, the sale of a home, moving to a new location, etc. Nothing is too big and no detail of your life is too small for God. When it comes to prayer, there are times when you need to be persistent and tenacious. Other times you need to apply your faith, stand strong and believe God will provide your needs. And sometimes it takes, all of that, plus the prayers of other Christians to get a breakthrough. The avenue of prayer opens the door between heaven and earth moves the hand of God to intervene on our behalf.
There are stories in the bible where prayer and faith change the outcome of wars, stopped the sun, gave a barren woman a child, and so much more. The Bible says that God is the same, yesterday today and forever. {Hebrews 13:8} The things God did for Abraham, Moses, Elijah, the disciples, Paul the Apostle and others, He can do for you. So, give your problems, anxiety, stress and sleepless nights to God in prayer and trust Him. He'll answer your cry for help, meet you needs and work things out for good.
Dear Lord, help me to remember, to bring all my problems, worries and cares to you, through the avenue of prayer. Help me to trust you to meet my needs, calm my worried thoughts and fill my heart with peace. In Jesus name Amen
By J. L Wallace
seen first on gracefulpen.org