YOUR PRAYER

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6 NIV

There are three instructions Paul offered us when we find ourselves anxious and worried and they are "Prayer, Petition and Thanksgiving". God honors prayer that comes from the heart and not prayer or other actions that are done to show off our spirituality. A common question people ask is "If God knows what I need before I ask, why do I need to pray at all?" He instructed and commanded us to pray. The truth is God does not need our prayers to be God, He is a Self Existing God but we need Him to exist. He knows tomorrow and He has planned every step of our life. God even knows where our decisions will take us even when we choose to disobey and neglect His plan.

Prayer does not reveal our needs to God, but prayer conditions our heart for God. Prayer teaches us to look to God and it's for our benefit. When we pray, it should remind us to stop and examine our lives and the direction we are going. Prayer is the time we spend with God. Prayer is a very important way in which God speaks to us. No relationship can grow without communication. There are many people who live in material abundance and are destitute spiritually. You can’t experience the abundance of the Christian life without an intimate walk with Christ. Without prayer, you can’t walk close to Him. 

So instead of carrying your worries and burdens, you are to take the first step Paul gives you in moving from a place of turmoil to peace: Get close to the Lord in prayer. Once you are in that intimate, face-to-face place with God, take that opportunity to give Him your worries, fears, and concerns. When you give God your problems, in return He gives you His peace.

Further Scripture Study: 1 Thessalonians 5:17 

Declare This: Dear Lord, I thank You for allowing me to come boldly before You in prayer. I know that You love me and want to richly meet the needs I am facing in my life today. By faith I thank You in advance for acting to my requests in Jesus name Amen.