Often times people pray as a last resort. Once we realize a situation is beyond our control we find ourselves desperate and it’s often only then that we turn to God for help. Throughout the Bible, it has been shown that prayer is the greatest tool in our entire life and yet it can be hard for many to put God and prayer at the forefront of every decision we make. It is a habit that needs to be adopted and practiced as a means of not only getting to know God, but confirming He is front and center and that his counsel matters. It also reconfirms He has the power to do anything that none of us can do.
“But Jesus looked at them and said, With people it is impossible. But with God, all things are possible!” – Matt 19:26
Jesus is often referred to as the shepherd. What does a shepherd do? He cares for his flock. He leads them to sustenance and protects them from predators and cares about them. But if you don’t allow him to be your shepherd, you’re not allowing him to lead you, protect you and care for you.
Even Jesus knew the importance of keeping an open line of communication with Heaven. It’s easy to get caught up in the reality of life in this world and forget the major spiritual component to our entire existence. Because we typically don’t get to see beyond this life until we depart it.
Prayer helps strengthen your faith and it’s not intended to be a tool for merely desperate times, but a method in which you build and strengthen your relationship with God.
As a renewed Christian, I talk or pray to God every day. Sometimes in my head and sometimes out loud. I may be going about my daily business and just muttering about the beauty I see in the world and thanking Him for all the beautiful things he gave to us. I’m sure if people saw me mouthing my words they would think I was talking on a phone via Bluetooth, but I’m present and aware of my surroundings. It’s sometimes referred to as walking in the spirit (Galations 5: 6-16) Making this more than just a daily habit, but a routine in my day is something I am working on – so that I become more constant and consistent in my spiritual walk.
The more we practice walking in the Spirit, the closer we will get to God. The more we pray, the better our faith becomes (just as the more we read God’s word, the more we come to understand and the more He reveals to us). The more we pray, the more we put God in the front of our life. One does not always need to be praying for help, but rather just having a dialogue. Whether it’s asking God questions you would like answers to about the mysteries of life, or praising Him for everything and thanking him for your family, or your friends or your job, or the mere fact you’re still breathing. It’s prayer.
in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thes 5:18 (AMP)
After reading this, if you’re not already doing it, ask God to help you to make a habit of making prayer your first resort, not your last.
