Why bother?
One great way to communicate with the Creator is through prayer. Yes, lots of times we forget to pray before meals and before bed, but are we really too busy to talk to God? Sometimes we think we have "good" excuses that we are too busy to pray (e.g. school, work, etc. ), but let's think about it like this. Instead of putting prayer in a negative light, we can think of it positively like this:
Why should I refuse time to talk to the magnificent ruler and Creator of the universe who wants to have a relationship with me which I don't deserve? Why am I denying time to such a privilege?
Think about it. Prayer is truly talking to the maker of everything, the creator who made all the complex organisms we have discussed in previous articles. Pretty amazing, right? So now. Answer the question: Is it worth taking time to pray?
Does He even listen? And if He does, will He answer?
Many times, it seems that God doesn't listen to our prayers be it for healing or a need. First, we must realize that God is not some Santa Claus who gives us whatever we want. I'm not saying God doesn't answer us and grant us our wishes, but that we must be patient.
God answers prayer. When I got a bug bite which made my entire arm swollen, I prayed for complete healing and no irritation. The next day, my arm still irritated me and was swollen. I was disappointed, but that night, I prayed again. For another two days my arm still was not showing any signs of healing. Nevertheless, I kept praying for restoration for my arm. When I woke up, the next day, my arm wasn't itchy and the swelling had decreased.
I learned three things from this experience:
1. We must be patient (it might not be instant even though it could be)
2. We must trust that God hears us (which He does)
3. God does answer prayers
Okay. So God hears us and answers prayers but how should I pray?
The Bible says that the Lord's prayer is the best prayer. But, many times, the Lord's prayer just doesn't seem to be the right thing to pray for the situation. Now what?
I am no expert prayer, but when I am praying for healing or a resolution to a problem, I think about these things:
1. If God isn't like a Santa Claus, I shouldn't pray to him as if he is one (not that he won't give me what I ask)
2. I have many things to rejoice in despite my situation. Hmmm...why not start by praising and thanking God?
So, when I pray, If first thank Him for my many blessings. Then, I continue by telling him I love Him and giving Him the credit He deserves. Finally, I tell God whatever I wanted to tell Him.
Prayer is not always just asking God for things, but we can also just talk to Him. After all, God wants to have a good relationship with us and wants us to get to know Him better. We can talk to God anytime, and anywhere.
Whenever I feel stressed because I have a lot to get done, I just tell God what I'm thinking and ask for a clear mind. Many times, I accomplish my goals.
If I can't fall asleep because I have many things on my mind, I tell God my thoughts, give my thoughts and burden to Him, and ask for peace of mind. Sometimes I fell physically refreshed and peaceful. Other times I fall asleep quicker.
In the end, prayer is an extraordinary gift from God. It is not a way to just ask God for things we want, but to have a better relationship with Him.
-Caleb
Amen, Amen.
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