I used to never pray. Well, for the longest time when I wasn't Christian, I really didn't think that praying did anything anyway. I thought Christians were just crazy and wasting their time, no one was listening.
But when I was born again through Christ, I began to see how powerful prayer really is. I mean, at first I was skeptical, and a bit nervous, because I had no idea HOW to pray...but it's just one of those things you get the hang of after a while. After all, when it's just you and God, well, it's just you and God. God knows what's on your mind anyway, you should not try to use fancy words to impress him. Just speak from your heart. That's what it's all about.
Anyway, I started really paying attention to what people were praying about...and then that's when I noticed that God is listening. God does answer us, even though it might not be right at the moment we want it, or the way we envision it. I'm a strong believer that anytime we are struggling with something, or are joyous, the FIRST thing we should do is turn to God. This really came to my mind when I was reading 1 Thessalonians 5- "Never stop praying" (verse 17). Three simple words that mean so much. After all, how can we expect God to guide us if we don't turn to Him and ask? How can we expect to open our hearts and minds to God's will if we don't turn to Him and ask? . I usually try to pray in as many situations as I can, just keeping in mind that verse from 1 Thessalonians, but no one is perfect. I've found a lot of peace in praying in whatever situation I'm in, whether it be walking to class and thanking God for the glorious day, or cleaning the theater and understanding the peace in simple moments, or praying in the morning and before I go to sleep. Earlier this week, I was going through a really tough time with a friend (well, we still are, but that's beside the point). I was pretty upset in the fact that I was trying to communicate and this friend of mine was just ignoring me. So in our living room, I sat in constant prayer for over 15 minutes. I was begging God to speak to this friend to come and talk to me. I was begging, basically on my knees, just begging God for understanding and that this friend would open his heart to what God wants, and to remember certain verses that got us through tough times before. I sat there, asking for forgiveness for foolish past behavior, thanking Him for humbling experiences that put life in perspective, I pleaded with God that my friend would not give up, that he would just come and talk to me.
Well, he didn't come talk to me that day, but a couple days later I was out on a run and on my way back, I noticed someone in the distance (I wasn't wearing my glasses, so I couldn't tell right away). But anyway, it ended up being my friend, on a walk. I wouldn't say it was irony, I would say it was an answer to my prayer. In a sense, yes, he came to me, as we were both heading toward each other. So we did talk, just a little bit, but it was comforting to know that God answers prayers in His own way.
He answers them and directs us on the path that leads us there. We just need to open our eyes to notice that God is answering our prayers. Not in our own way, because our thoughts are foolish and materialistic, like this world we live in. But God answers them in His way, which is perfect and whole. In Isaiah 58:11- it states that "The Lord will guide you always..." But in order for the Lord to guide us, we need to turn to Him in prayer.
Thoughts? Prayer stories? I appreciate feedback. =)
Love in Christ always,
♥†♥
katrina
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