Prayer

Prayer - simply means communication with God.  Jesus gives us an example of prayer in Matthew 6.  We can literally be in continual prayer with God all day long.  It is just like talking to your husband or your wife, your kids, neighbors, etc.  We can all do it. :-)

Watching the news, seeing the pictures and reading the updates on the internet about what is going on in Japan grieves me.  Such a difficult time for all of those that are there dealing with such destruction.  Living halfway around the world I seem so helpless to make a difference.  There are organizations that you can send money too--which is great they will need it.  But money doesn't cure everything.  I can't imagine what emotions; pain, fear and worry among many that they are dealing with while trying to survive.

I was reminded of prayer.  So many people see it as a last resort when it should be a first resource.  In a situation like Japan God is the one we need to be crying out to in our time of need.  He is the only one in control of all things.  Philippians 4:6-7 says,  "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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."

It is hard to understand why he allows such devastation but wise to remember that even in the devastation he is still with them.  We have become a world of self-reliance that we forget that God is in control.  He desires to have a relationship with us.  Psalm 102:17 says "He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea."  He desires to hear from us; for us to cry out to Him in our time of need.  And Matthew 21:22 says "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
I believe that God is with them and will see the people of Japan through this; I believe it is my job and duty as a Christian to pray for all of those in Japan dealing with such a difficult situation. Won't you join me in praying?

In the midst of what is going on in Japan and what you may be dealing with in your on life remember what I Thessalonians 5:17 says "pray without ceasing".