Saturday, March 3, 2012

~ "Make time to pray..."


And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. (Mark 1:35)

Busy, busy, busy.  You can NEVER be too busy to pray!  It is the foundation of your day (at least it is for mine).  We are told throughout the Bible to pray.  We can see and read the effects the power of prayer has on the lives of others.  Why would we not want to pray?

Yes, there are times (and I have experienced them) when it is difficult to pray.  Mainly because we aren't quite sure what it is we need to focus our prayer on.  What I've found (and it's in my book as well) is one prayer that never fails..."help me, Lord".  He will not turn away from you.  We may become discouraged by the trials life throws at as, but as with Job, our faith must not waiver.  Whatever comes our way will pass.  Whatever ailments, challenges, disappointments or catastrophes cross our path, we do not face them alone.  

We also make choices, decisions and yes, even stupid mistakes that cannot be undone.  We can't change these often devastating conditions, but we can change the way we look at them and turn them into a testimony for God's mercy and grace!  Through prayer and constant contact with God, we can become stronger, braver and even smarter when it comes to certain situations.  Only through prayer can we communicate our praises and petitions to the Father!  Only through Jesus will they be received.  

Don't fret over bad financial decisions, lost loves, wasted time and things that mean nothing in this world.  God will provide all that you need, and if your heart is truly repentant, you are forgiven.  Through prayer you will come to know the power of God in your own life and you will become a witness to His goodness and mercy.  Let Him take the lead...follow!  

Offer up to God what is rightfully His - your thoughts, your prayers, your praises...He'll accept them without hesitation.  You don't need beautiful or scripted words written in a book - you just need what is written in your heart!