Pray. When you feel lost? Pray. When you are prospering. Pray. When you are not prospering. Pray. When others are in need. Pray for them. When you realize there are many lives and different stories people are going through, pray for them! Praying to God is not a secret formula to get the things you want, when you want it. The point of prayer is to build intimacy and a relationship with God. When we pray continuously for our needs and others, it shows our priority and reliance on God through all circumstances.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
Now, rightfully so, our desire is for our prayers to be answered. It is important to have faith in God’s work and recall Jesus’ teachings: “Therefore I tell you whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24). Let’s make sure to supplement this with what Jesus also says: “It is also written: Do not put your Lord your God to the test” (Matthew 4:7). When we pray, be mindful of who you are speaking with and His position. It is not a space to treat God as your servant, asking and receiving in accordance to your timetable. It is a space to build a relationship and get to know Christ intimately. Do not test or try to manipulate God, you'll embarrassingly fail because He knows your heart. Just like any relationship or friendship we have today, we ask questions and spend time getting to know the other person, we should not cheat, manipulate, or backstab. Prayer is communication, not a monologue, but rather a dialogue with someone who loves you beyond understanding! Going forward, build a personal relationship with Christ reverently, showing respect, honor, and love. Most importantly, pray continuously, regardless of where you find yourself. God wants to hear from you.
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