Pray, Because Prayer Works

It's time for a confession.

No, not to confess what I believe in. No, this is a confession about something that I struggle with.

I struggle to pray. I have done so my whole life. I think it is something to do with the fact that I struggle to concentrate. When I come to a standstill, it must be a 110% stop. No computer switched on. Not a sound anywhere, otherwise my thought march out the door.

Many people struggle with prayer, but it is one of the most important elements of our relationship with God. It's the starting point of our relationship with God. It's the place where we grow closer to God. It's the place where the noise of the world is extinguished and we can tune into God's voice.

But we make so little time for this.

Prayer can be life changing. It's the time and place where we can refuel for the life. Here God talks to us and shares what is in his heart about what will be best for us as we walk through life.

But more than that, when God and I get together, other people's lives are changed. How do you do that? I can see the question marks in your mind.

I believe in prayer. I believe in prayer with everything in me. I know that my mom spent so much time on her knees praying for her six children. I believe that if my mom hadn't prayed for us, we would've lost the way long ago. Our lives are definitely going in a very different direction simply because my mom kept on praying.

Paul talked to God all the time about the people of the congregations to whom he wrote the letters. The same for the Philippians: 3Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. 4Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart.

Paul also believed in prayer. He believed even more strongly that he should intercede for others and talk about them with God.

Nowadays I write down my prayers to prevent my mind from wandering. It helps me to focus on my conversation with God.  That is why I write it down when I pray for each of my single friends to find a partner. I pray for my brother and sisters and their spouses and children the way my mother prayed for me. I write it down when I pray for my in-laws. I even pray for strangers now and then.

It's good.

It's a privilege.

And I am changed, because I was close to God.

Bible Reading

   Philippians 1:3-4

Reflection

Do you pray?

Do you pray enough?

Do you pray for others?

Prayer

Lord, what a privilege to be able to talk to You about the people I love. When I talk to You I become aware of the way You want me to make a difference in their lives. Please help me to be obedient. Amen

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 By Gerjo Ben Van Der Merwe


Article Source: Pray, Because Prayer Works