“True prayer, then, can be rooted only in the recognition of genuine need.” ~Catherine Marshall in Christy
As I looked through my folder of potential blog posts, I noticed how many of the drafts that I have started have to do with prayer. Perhaps this is fitting as I’ve been studying prayers in the Bible during my daily devotions. In January, I hope to share some of what I’ve been learning – it’s such good stuff!
Yet in order to pray effectively, I have to see in my heart the need for prayer, which is ultimately my need for God and for seeing His hand at work in my life.
I love my prayer journal that allows me to look back over answered prayers. With only a couple of weeks left in the year, I’m already beginning to reflect about all that has happened over the past twelve months. From big concerns to small, God has faithfully answered prayer.
When we admit that we need God to show Himself mighty, that we have no power to affect an outcome, then we open ourselves up to see Him at work. It goes back to my word for 2014 – trust.
I can trust that He hears my prayers. I John 5:14 says, “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us…” Many times, He answers above and beyond what I expected. Yet if God doesn’t answer a request as I think it should be answered, I have another opportunity to trust. I know He will answer in a way that’s best.
It’s not just in the big situations that I recognize my need, but in the daily trials I face. Romans 12:12 exhorts us to be “rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer…”
Today, let’s recognize our need for God’s guidance and goodness in our lives and strive, with the Holy Spirit’s help, to take our every need to Him in prayer.
Throughout the day, I find myself asking, "Lord, what do I do now?" And I'm so thankful that I've gotten to this point where I want and need His wisdom so often, that I've realized that I can't do it by myself. Wonderful!
Absolutely!