A life of prayer

Why must we pray? I guess the true question is what purpose does prayer serve in the life of a Christian?

Prayer does a couple of things for me. It helps me to focus on God more. When I begin praying, I always feel the presence of God. I feel Him close and even tangibly. That has not always been the case. Many years ago when I prayed it was almost monotonic. It was robotic and as expected. Now it is different. It is a lifestyle. I accomplish so much in prayer. The first aspect of my prayer is thankfulness. I thank God and extol Him. I tell Him how great He is and how majestic He has been in my life. I tell Him how much I love Him. I can spend however much time I feel I need just telling Him that He is great to me. And often times, I find that is my prayer! What I do not do is complain to God! Prayer is not for complaining.

Are there things on my heart that I bring to God? O yes! I tell Him about the little thoughts I have or concerns. I pray for our kids, their lives and their future. I also pray for my husband and our home. Those things that are on our hearts – I seek Him for them in prayer. Sometimes I talk to God and wait for Him to speak with me or lead my thoughts. I love this type of prayer. I call it ‘interactive prayer’. I ask God something and because I have faith that He is who He is, I expect Him to answer and lead – and guess what – He does! This segment of prayer builds me up and gives me direction. It helps me to see things as God sees things and also puts away any misguided thoughts. I will want to engage in this type of prayer more. In fact both husband and wife can take time to seek God in this way especially if you are looking to take a step in your home or marriage. And let God speak to your hearts. This brings a sense of confirmation when both couples have the same God given direction.

In cases of intense pressing, maybe financial, health or whatever else that has punitive consequences – I find myself needing to withdraw to a secluded place – most often the clothes closet. I lay on the floor and listen to worship lyrics. Most times, those words become my prayer. Those worship lyrics become a springboard for my prayers and though through tears at times, I know He is hearing me. If health-wise – I call Him my healer as I pray. If for financial breakthrough, I remind Him of His promise ‘those who wait on the Lord shall not be put to shame.’ Whatever the chaos might be – after prayer, there is always calm, peace, followed by the joy of the Lord. I always rise knowing that the matter is settled.

Prayer is not simply asking. It is not supposed to be a cup in the hand experience for all things natural. It is supposed to be an enduing of both spiritual and natural. The natural receiving must never supersede the spiritual! Many believers want to be crowned with natural things. That is not what prayer is for. If that were the case, then we do not need God. Prayer is really a spiritual experience that births spiritual things in our lives. It opens the spiritual door so that we experience God and know God. The more we pray, the more the experience. The more we pray the more the enduing of God’s power and provision.

Praying is wonderful. You must enjoy doing it. It is not a waste of time. It is necessary for your spiritual and natural victory! When prayer becomes a lifestyle/culture for you and your family, then you are really working a victorious lifestyle in your family.

Linda Faith
Linda faith is the editor of Jewels Magazine. She co-pastors along with her husband Revival Worship Church, Tampa. She is a prolific writer and powerful speaker, inspiring many women to be all God has called them to be. She is the founder of Joy Women’s conference which reaches out to empower, inspire and motivate women in their faith walk.