What is prayer?
What does Prayer mean to you?
I think we all have a certain knowledge that Prayer means that we talk to God. We usually always think about this when we are in trouble or in a desperate situation and need help; But the Bible reminds us in scripture, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, that, as children of God, we are to pray at all times without ceasing. What does that mean, you may ask?
Well, it simply means to pray (having a conversation- talking with God) in faith and with persistence in all circumstances, giving God thanks and all the glory in everything!
So, let me ask you, how do you speak to God? Do you pray in your car, your bedroom, or with your eyes open or closed? Do you pray on your knees or just sitting down? Do you pray believing that he will answer your prayers?
The bible also teaches us we are to pray in faith, believing that we will receive answers according to his will for our lives. He loves us. God is listening to our prayers, but what’s even more important is this: are we listening to what he has to say in response?
Recently, I came across a scripture that I had read before but never saw it quite like I did on this day.
Did you know Jesus prayed for us? I never realized he prayed for us! Yes, he prayed for his children before descending into heaven to be at the right side of the father, but he also tells us he left us a helper, the Holy spirit, to continue to intercede for us, pray for us, and guide us in all things.
The Holy Spirit actually prays for us when we CANNOT pray! Do you know what that means? It means Jesus knows that life can be so overwhelming and that we can experience times where we need him to pray for us because we don’t have the strength, desire, or voice to do so ourselves.
In John 17: 9, Jesus tells the Father, “I am praying for them.”
In Romans 8:26 it says, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”
What a faithful God we serve that, even when you don’t have the words or strength for prayer, the Holy Spirit looks into your heart and prays to the father on your behalf. Jesus hears your heart. How awesome and encouraging that is for all believers!
Let me tell you a short story.
It was not long ago, I saw myself in a situation where my trials and worries seemed so big and so overwhelming, that I could not think straight. I had very little peace, and I struggled to go on every day. It was hard for me to read my bible and even harder to pray. I had very little strength to do anything. I worried about the circumstances and I worried about the outcomes. I worried about everything and it consumed me, so much, that there were times I couldn’t speak to God. I couldn’t hear God. I couldn’t pray.
I just felt so helpless. Has this ever happened to you, where you are so consumed with the difficulties in your life that you have no more strength to fight back? What do you do when you are so gripped with fear and worry, and you don’t have words for prayer? When all you have are the tears that are running down your face, but your words are silent?
This is the way I felt for a long time. Then one day it seemed I could handle no more. I needed Jesus to help me. I could not continue to live worrying every day. That’s when, in desperation, I cried out with the last ounce of strength I had left. I said these three words: “Jesus help me”! Although that’s all I could say, he knew, I gave him all I had left in me.
Soon after, I started to experience an ounce of strength at a time. I began to experience hope to continue fighting. I knew I was not giving up. I knew I could run and not be weary with his almighty power that overcame me.
I was able to read his words and the more; I heard his words the more I could pray. The more I prayed, the more I started gaining spiritual strength and that started to change some of the circumstances and my worries as well as the way I handled them.
I can honestly tell you, When you can’t put your prayer into words. You can rest assured that Jesus will not let you fall, he hears your heart. He will help you in your times of pain. All you need to do is trust him. Cry out to him with all you have inside of you. He will never leave you nor forsake you.
When I finally cried out to him with a full heart, and believed that only he could strengthen me, that’s when Jesus stepped into my situation and renewed my strength. Isaiah tells us, “but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
What a great promise we have in Jesus, that when we have no strength, he comes in and upholds us with his mighty hand. Thank you Jesus!
Scripture for Reflection:
Isaiah 41: 10-11
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you: I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
What is Prayer?
1. Prayer is a conversation that we have with God, in any place, for any reason, and at any time. Jesus loves you and he is always there for you.
2. Prayer connects you to Jesus and gives you peace
3. Prayer strengthens you and renews your hope.
Point to Ponder:
What do you need to pray to Jesus about today? He is listening! He is there to give you new strength. Go to him, talk to him and receive his peace!
PRAYER:
Jesus please give me strength in my weakness
Give me faith in my fear
Give me power in my powerlessness
I trust you, in Jesus’ name, Amen
