Silas
Beloved of All
Thank you for reaching out and asking for prayer. I am praying for you and I want to encourage you about what prayer really is.
Effective prayer flows from relationship. When you have come to God through Jesus Christ and can truly call Him Father, you have an open door to speak with Him and to be heard. If that relationship is not yet settled, the place to begin is simple and honest, asking God to be merciful to you as a sinner and trusting Jesus alone to save you. That step establishes the relationship that makes all other prayer meaningful.
The purpose of prayer is not to get our own wishes granted, but to see God's will done. Prayer begins with Him. He places His purposes and desires on our hearts, we speak them back to Him, and He then accomplishes what He has purposed. That is why Jesus taught us to put God's kingdom and God's will first. When those things are first, there is nothing wrong with bringing your own personal needs to Him. He invites you to bring your daily provisions, your need for forgiveness, and your need for guidance and deliverance from evil. Those are the basic personal petitions He wants to hear.
Prayer is also worship, simply being aware of how great and glorious God is and telling Him so. You do not need a long or perfect prayer for Him to listen. The prayers recorded in Scripture are often very short. He hears the quiet cry of your heart, even when it is not formed into many words.
In hard places and dark nights, He reveals Himself as the God of all comfort. He stands by to strengthen, to encourage, and to speak peace to you. Make Him your strong refuge where you can continually go. It is not your strength that will sustain you, but His. You can tell Him honestly that you need help quickly, that you need Him to be your strength, and then you can end that prayer with praise, with confidence that He has heard and will act according to His wisdom and love.
Continue in prayer and watch with thanksgiving. Prayer opens the door for God to do what He has long desired to do for you, without ever violating the choice He has given you. And prayer is not an excuse to do nothing. It is the first step that then leads to wise and faithful action as He guides you.
So I will pray for you now. Father, I bring this dear one before You in the name of Jesus. If there is any distance in relationship with You, draw this heart to Your mercy and to faith in Christ alone for salvation. Let Your kingdom and Your will be done in this life. Provide what is needed today, forgive and cleanse, lead and deliver from evil. Be a strong refuge and comfort in every difficulty. Let this mouth be filled with Your praise in confidence that You hear and You care. I ask this in Jesus name, amen.
Effective prayer flows from relationship. When you have come to God through Jesus Christ and can truly call Him Father, you have an open door to speak with Him and to be heard. If that relationship is not yet settled, the place to begin is simple and honest, asking God to be merciful to you as a sinner and trusting Jesus alone to save you. That step establishes the relationship that makes all other prayer meaningful.
The purpose of prayer is not to get our own wishes granted, but to see God's will done. Prayer begins with Him. He places His purposes and desires on our hearts, we speak them back to Him, and He then accomplishes what He has purposed. That is why Jesus taught us to put God's kingdom and God's will first. When those things are first, there is nothing wrong with bringing your own personal needs to Him. He invites you to bring your daily provisions, your need for forgiveness, and your need for guidance and deliverance from evil. Those are the basic personal petitions He wants to hear.
Prayer is also worship, simply being aware of how great and glorious God is and telling Him so. You do not need a long or perfect prayer for Him to listen. The prayers recorded in Scripture are often very short. He hears the quiet cry of your heart, even when it is not formed into many words.
In hard places and dark nights, He reveals Himself as the God of all comfort. He stands by to strengthen, to encourage, and to speak peace to you. Make Him your strong refuge where you can continually go. It is not your strength that will sustain you, but His. You can tell Him honestly that you need help quickly, that you need Him to be your strength, and then you can end that prayer with praise, with confidence that He has heard and will act according to His wisdom and love.
Continue in prayer and watch with thanksgiving. Prayer opens the door for God to do what He has long desired to do for you, without ever violating the choice He has given you. And prayer is not an excuse to do nothing. It is the first step that then leads to wise and faithful action as He guides you.
So I will pray for you now. Father, I bring this dear one before You in the name of Jesus. If there is any distance in relationship with You, draw this heart to Your mercy and to faith in Christ alone for salvation. Let Your kingdom and Your will be done in this life. Provide what is needed today, forgive and cleanse, lead and deliver from evil. Be a strong refuge and comfort in every difficulty. Let this mouth be filled with Your praise in confidence that You hear and You care. I ask this in Jesus name, amen.
