Prayer is a communication tool for us, as Christians, with God.
When we pray, we SHOULD be vulnerable in our prayer. We must acknowledge God, Who is powerful, loving, caring, righteous and merciful. We must not pray only when we feel like it, but without ceasing.
On the 11th of September 2022, my husband came to church with us; it felt like a dream. I was in disbelief as we were preparing in the morning, and thought he might change his mind. It was not a smooth journey (just like all of ours) but God is at work with him. I used to get comfort, encouragement and confirming words from our friends and family, that were praying for us as a family, that he would come to church one day. I have learnt that we can’t make people change. God doesn’t need help with His people – He can change them.
When God answers our prayers, He is affirming His love and presence in our lives. God's timing is perfect; He knows when to finally grant your prayer.
"We must trust in God's plan, and He will answer your prayers in His own time.” “Prayers are answered not because we deserve it, but because God is merciful. You can sit at your Father’s feet, weeping, knowing that He will never condemn or judge you. You can go to Him when you need comfort and peace. We must normalise having time with God, in prayer, daily".
As his wife, I was very emotional and nagged God about his spiritual journey – but it was not up to me, as I am also a wretched sinner and saved by His grace.
1 John 5:14 (ESV):
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.
We pray to God because He is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent.
Omnipotence:
Psalm 115:3 (ESV):
Our God is in the heavens;
he does all that he pleases.
Omniscience
Hebrews 4:12-13 (ESV)
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and
discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Omnipresence
Exodus 6:7 (ESV):
I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the
LORD your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.
These are some of the benefits of prayer:
You become content
You are able to forgive
It helps in healing
You are intentional with your spiritual journey
You learn to be grateful
You learn to be disciplined
You love even those that do not love you, like Christ loved
You are strengthened
It breaks chains and or strongholds
You can be vulnerable and speak to God about anything
You understand your future and purpose in Christ
You are delivered and set free
It will remove a heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
You will have peace
Now why would you not pray?
Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV):
…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus
Let us starts this year with deep prayer before we make our own plans and run without hearing from God.
Love
Elizabeth
Women of Reverence welcomes our CONTRIBUTOR Elizabeth Moeketsi.
Read her bio by clicking here.