Pray(er) (ing) is mentioned over 500 times in scripture. I must confess that my prayer life is lacking most days. It's not that it is difficult to pray or that you have to say something special or eloquent, it is taking the time to come before a holy God. Prayer is simply talking to God. We do need to remember to listen as well.
What a privledge we have to go to God in prayer. He repeatedly asks us to come to Him in prayer, to seek His kingdom and His righteousness. These are some of my favorite
Pray without ceasing. I Thessalonians 5:17
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8
Luke 11:10 says, For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Ephesians 6:18 And 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 saints.
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. James 5:13-15
Knowing and believing all of the above (which I do) why wouldn't I pray? It is very humbling to come before God Almighty. If you aren't familiar with praying or haven't done it in a while the best thing to do is present your requests to God--seriously, that's it--it doesn't have to be complicated or formal. Let me just say that God is NOT a genie in a bottle to grant our every wish. He is the sovereign Lord who loves us immeasurably and desires us to come to Him for all of our needs. It is important to pray for our leaders and country, for the church body and its' leaders, family and friends as well as your personal needs.
When I was growing up I thought that I should only go to God for the 'big' stuff in life. I'm not sure where I drew this perception from but scripturally it is wrong. God wants us to come to Him with EVERYTHING.
I struggled with a situation last night and cried out to God--He knew my hurt and my pain and was there to comfort me. He also provided incredible friends, sisters in Christ that joined me in prayer. As trivial as my situation was in the grand scheme of things God cared and was right there with me. What an amazing God we serve!
Offer up your prayers to God tonight. They are a fragrant offering to the One who hears and cares.
This is a little long (7 minutes) and old but it is awesome.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttS7FH8X4n4
