prayer noun 1 intercession, devotion; archaic orison: She believed in the power of prayer.
Do you ever get discouraged when you are praying for something, and you feel as though nobody up there is listening or even cares? Do you ever feel as though you are talking to a dark, empty ceiling or just wasting your breath and your words?
Let me encourage you today, that you are not.
“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Ephesians 6:18
Prayer is powerful and one of the greatest tools we have as believers. Yet, it is sadly one of our last resorts when we encounter issues and problems in our lives. I’m trying to teach my children (and remind myself) that going to God in prayer should be our FIRST response to any issue, problem or situation we encounter in our lives! I know that I am where I am today because of the example of faithful prayer that my own mother lives out–and I want to be that kind of example for my children, and leave that kind of legacy behind for others!
I believe so strongly in the power of prayer that I set an alarm on my phone that goes off at noon each day, reminding me to stop what I am doing and pray. It doesn’t matter who I am with or what I am doing, I will ask those with me if they will allow me to pray, and I will lift up whatever it was we were talking about in that moment and use that time as an opportunity encourage the people who are around me by praying for them.
I love that God gave me this idea, because it has opened up so many doors for me to be able to pray with other people and to encourage those I work and meet with (usually right in the middle of lunch meetings! *grin*). That alarm always puts my mind at rest, and reminds me to shift my focus back to God. Sometimes, I even have to ask forgiveness for what I was talking about when the alarm goes off. I am so grateful for how God uses this tool to lovingly teach me to mind my words!
“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4
I’ve continually watched how God has answered prayers in my own life, and how he answers the prayers of the women who attend my monthly Equipped by Faith gathering on the first Wednesday evening of each month. I have watched women be healed emotionally and physically, and witnessed miracles over and over again because of the power of prayer. (Side note: You are invited to EBF this Wednesday, August 2nd at 7pm to hear my dear friend, Becky Hennesy share her heart and faith with us that evening – located at The Residences at The Highland. Come, and bring a friend!)
Even our secular business is built on the power of prayer. Field and I pray for every employee, every client, and every person who is impacted in any way by our business each morning. Each month, my dear friend, Tina Moore, gathers with a minimum of 3 prayer warriors for corporate prayer to lift up our business and to pray for continued blessing and favor upon us and our vision for the future. She sends me a monthly prayer report each month, and I love seeing how God answers their specific prayers for us! Our business is covered in prayer and I believe that is why we continually see the blessings of God in our lives!
Sometimes, we can become discouraged when we feel as though the prayers we are praying are not being heard or answered. I know I have been disappointed at times when I wanted a certain outcome, and did not receive it. However, do not let “unanswered prayers” sway you from your faith and trust in our good, faithful Heavenly Father. God wants and desires good things for your life, and sometimes–we just have to trust that He knows better than we do.
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts, and my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9
Your life is in His hands. He loves you more than you will ever know. He wants to hear from you, and desires to have a loving relationship with you. Bring your needs, desires and cares to Him today–for He cares for you! Whether you get the answer you wanted, or not–know that He is good, that He loves you, and that you ARE being heard.
“Do not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus!
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
XO-
Sabrina
