Prayer that Changes

We all know that to change something is to make it different from its current state. However, have you considered this definition: to make the form, nature, content, future course, etc., of (something) different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone. How many of you when you are going through something just want to be left alone? 

Are you longing for a change in your life? If so, are you doing something about it or are you asking everyone around you, including God, to leave you alone?

In your quest for change, have you considered prayer?

Prayer is defined as a spiritual communion with God or an object of worship, as in supplication, thanksgiving, adoration, or confession.

So how should we pray? Luke 11:1-4 tells us … “One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.’ He said to them, ‘When you pray, say: ‘‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.”’”

Let’s take a closer look at this definition: It says Communion, which is the act of sharing or intimate communication

• Are you having intimate conversations with God?
• Are you bearing yourself fully before the creator?
• Are you praying about your hopes, your dreams, your joys and pains? 

Then there is worship—to have or express feelings of profound adoration

• What have you expressed to God lately?
• When you go before him have you taken the time to praise him or do you with laundry list of your wants and desires?

Next is supplication, to humbly enter or petition

• How is your humility when you approach God?

Then we see the word Thanksgiving a grateful acknowledgement

• Are you thankful for all that God has done and will continue to do in your life?
• I am sure you are, but when was the last time you told him?

Now we see adoration or a deep love or esteem

• How do you really view God
• Based on how you live your life would your love for God be described as deep?
• Do your actions upon approaching God reflect the thoughts and words of one who holds God in high esteem?

Lastly there is confession, to acknowledge sin

• How have you been doing with that?
• Do you freely confess your sins to God?
• Yes, I know he sees all and knows all but consider supplication, it takes a certain level of humility to openly confess your sins to God

Philippians 4:6 tells us to … “not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

• Let me ask you, when you pray and present your request to God how do you feel?
• Are you still worried about your circumstance?
• As you can see from the verse we are instructed to not be anxious about anything.
• There are no disclaimers that read do not be anxious about anything except ____________ you fill in the blank
• We are further instructed to present every situation before God
• No where does it state we should pick and choose what things God is capable of handling and what things we should just handle on our own.

So, at what point do we stop praying, stop relying on God?

1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to … “pray without ceasing.”

So, again, when should we stop praying? Never without ceasing means just that—DO NOT CEASE!

Why? Because Galatians 6:9 gives us the assurance that if we do not become weary of doing good, at the proper time, (NOT OUR TIME), at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 

Remember, God is a God of grace and each new day provides us with the opportunity to begin again. Choose God and may the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life!!!