Can we talk about prayer for a minute, or two? One of the most frequently asked questions we encounter is about prayer difficulties. Prayer can be a powerful line of communication between us and God, if used seriously and thoughtfully. Unfortunately, for too many, prayer is used only as a last resort or is something to be performed only during Sunday morning church service.
I can hear the confusion, and maybe frustration in their voices. So, perhaps a good starting point would be to put forward a few questions to you. I only ask one thing; that you honestly and sincerely think about each one. Okay, here we go...
1. When you pray do you always receive benefit from it?
2. Do you always feel God's presence with you?
3. Is enlightenment always felt while praying?
4. Do you always feel strengthened?
If you're a normal person, you might answer,"Sometimes I do, and sometimes I don't." Indeed, it wouldn't be a stretch at all to say that we often times struggle with prayer. What can we do? I suggest that it might not be a bad idea to identify some possible causes of prayer difficulties.
Sometimes we are simply out of fellowship with the Lord. There are various reasons for a broken fellowship, some of which include: a vindictive, unchristian spirit; or failure to have a clean, moral life. You'd be surprised to discover how much selfishness and greed play a part in this, too.
Sometime's we try to imitate or copy someone else's prayer life. We must realize that we all have our different temperaments, needs, and/or requests. As an example I point to some of the great men of the Bible (Moses, Elijah, Peter, James, John, Paul). Each had their own differences, idiosyncrasies, and needs. It would be foolish to try to copy their prayer lives at the expense of our own.
Sometimes we incur the problem of our changing moods. Even Elijah has his good and bad days. As such, we too are subject to moods which may affect how and when we pray. Remember, Paul urged Timothy to "be instant in season and out of season" (2 Timothy 4:2 - KJV). In other words, be consistent in prayer; hold a steady course. And keep this in mind: when you can't pray as you want to, pray as you can!
I have to be honest with you. It can be an overwhelming task to try and identify all the difficulties, hitches, and hinderances that can cause our prayer lives to stall out. It's certainly safe to say that we didn't come remotely close to accomplishing that here today.
All the same, no matter your prayer problem or problems, permit me to leave you with some verses from Scripture that might help you lead a more fruitful prayer life. First, Believe the prayer promises of the Bible (Mark 11:22-24; Luke 11:13; Matthew 7:7-8; Matthew 7:9-11; John 15:7).
Then, Think good thoughts (Philippians 4:6-8). And finally, seek to live your life within the will and purpose of God (Matthew 5:6). Naturally, there are many, many more but this should be sufficient to help lift a sagging prayer life, and revitalize your daily dialogue with the Lord.
Scripture: Psalms 118:5-6, Psalms 138:3, Isaiah 58:9-11, Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:7
Prayer: Dear Jesus, as I pray to you this day; may my words be heartfelt, and my thoughts focused on my loving relationship with You. Amen
May God bless you always,
Reyanne
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