Prayer is defined as an earnest hope or wish. It is also a request for help or an expression of thanks addressed to God. But to put it simply prayer is our communication with God. Of course He already knows everything but it is important for us to make an effort to talk to Him. It gives us the chance to acknowledge Him for who He is. To come to Him in reverence and with respect as our...everything.
If God is really important to you, you will make the time to talk to Him. Not just when you need something. Take the time to let Him know about your good days and your bad days. Tell Him about the things you want for your life. The things you need. Talk to Him about your hopes and your dreams. That's how you build your relationship with Him. Take everything to prayer. Let Him in and as you draw nearer to Him He will draw nearer to you.
The importance of prayer can't be understated. Prayer is mentioned in the bible over 500 times. So it is important for us to maintain an active prayer life. But there is another part of prayer that many of us forget about. I believe this is just as important and has a special benefit to us. It is to listen.
God not only wants to hear from us but he wants to respond to us as well. So we have to learn to listen. To me this is the best part. When you realize for yourself that not only does God hear you but that he loves you enough to answer you. You will be hooked. I look for any chance to talk to God and I am always listening.
Sometimes His response is subtle. You may just get a feeling, a simple thought or an urging to do something. But sometimes it is loud and clear. Like a dream, a vision or an audible voice. The more you listen the better you will get at knowing exactly when you are hearing from Him. And the more you listen the more He will respond. But the trick is that you have to accept His response even if it is not the response you expected.
So pray but don't forget to listen. He's listening and He hears your prayers. But try listening to Him for a change. He just may surprise you.
Colossians 4:2 2Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
1 John 5:14 14This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
2 Chronicles 7:14 14if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Ephesians 6:18 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the LORD's people.
Mark 11:24 24Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Psalm 102:17 17He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea.
Romans 12:2 2Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Psalm 4:1 1Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
#pray #prayer #answeredprayers #responsetoprayer #listen #encounterswithGod #responsefromGod #personaljourney #answertoprayer #myextraordinarywalk #sherrykirkland #Godstories #connectedtoGod #bible #holybible #motivational #truth #seekingGod #peace #knowhellanswer #walkingwithGod #testimony #inspirational #selfhelp